US Trade Deficit Hits Record $105.6 Billion in August Despite Tariffs

Key Facts

1The US trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August, up from $92.8 billion previously.

2US imports jumped 4.3% to a record $420.8 billion, driven by capital goods like semiconductors.

The US trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August, up from $92.8 billion previously. According to investinglive.com, US imports jumped 4.3% to reach a record $420.8 billion, while exports grew by a smaller 1.4% to total $315.2 billion.

The surge in imports was primarily driven by capital goods, which rose by $6.2 billion to a record $146.4 billion as companies increased purchases of semiconductors and industrial machinery to support AI infrastructure. This data follows a reported goods trade balance deficit of $132.6 billion on September 30, 2026, highlighting persistent domestic demand for foreign technology and equipment despite the administration's tariff policies.