The U.S. trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August from a revised $92.8 billion in July, exceeding market expectations of $102 billion and reaching its largest level since March 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The increase reflected a rise in imports that outpaced gains in exports during the month.
Imports Reach Record High
U.S. imports increased by $17.2 billion to an all-time high of $420.8 billion in August.
Imports of industrial supplies and materials rose by $9.1 billion, led by crude oil and nonmonetary gold. Capital goods imports increased by $6.2 billion, supported by purchases of semiconductors and other industrial machinery.
Those increases more than offset a decline in imports of computer accessories.
Exports Rise to $315.2 Billion
Exports increased by $4.5 billion to $315.2 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials accounted for much of the increase, rising by $6.3 billion, primarily due to nonmonetary gold and crude oil.
Capital goods exports increased by $1.3 billion, including higher shipments of semiconductors and computers. Pharmaceutical exports, meanwhile, declined by $2.4 billion.
Exports and imports of services were little changed during the month.
The August figures show that both sides of U.S. trade expanded, but the larger increase in imports resulted in a wider overall trade deficit.
