US goods and services trade deficit widened 13.7% MoM to $105.6bn in August, the
largest monthly shortfall since early 2025, as imports hit a record on a surge
in capital goods. Imports rose 4.3% MoM while exports climbed 1.4%.
Inflation-adjusted goods deficit widened to $114.7bn, the biggest since March
2025. By category, nominal imports of industrial supplies, including crude and
petroleum products, rose $9.1bn MoM while exports of the same category rose
$6.3bn. Monthly volatility in trade since early 2025 reflects effects from US
tariff policy, recent oil-price swings tied to the war, ongoing supply-chain
strains and heavy AI-related investment driving equipment and technology
imports.
