US goods trade deficit widened 17.2% MoM to $118.8 bln in July, the largest since March 2025 and above the median economist forecast of $100.5 bln, Commerce Department data showed. The data are not adjusted for inflation; imports rose 3.7% while goods exports fell 2.9%. The import surge was driven mainly by higher shipments of capital equipment, including continued strong inflows of AI-related gear, as firms stockpiled goods and raw materials and adjusted to shifting tariff rates. Separately, th

US goods trade deficit widened 17.2% MoM to $118.8 bln in July, the largest since March 2025 and above the median economist forecast of $100.5 bln, Commerce Department data showed. The data are not adjusted for inflation; imports rose 3.7% while goods exports fell 2.9%. The import surge was driven mainly by higher shipments of capital equipment, including continued strong inflows of AI-related gear, as firms stockpiled goods and raw materials and adjusted to shifting tariff rates. Separately, the Iran war has boosted global demand for US petroleum products.