America’s trade ledger shifted in 2025, trimming its imbalance even as global currents tugged in opposite directions.
The US Trade Deficit $901B marked a roughly $2 billion contraction from the prior year, as a swelling services surplus helped offset a widening gap in goods, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
While the goods deficit climbed 2.1%, the services surplus surged nearly 9%, acting like a counterweight on a scale that rarely sits still.
Goods Gap Widens, Services Surge
The deficit in goods rose by $25.5 billion to $1.24 trillion in 2025. At the same time, the services surplus expanded to $339.5 billion, reflecting stronger performance in sectors where the U.S. traditionally excels.
Exports of goods increased by $117.7 billion across most categories. One notable exception: vehicles and auto parts, where exports slid $16.8 billion.
Imports told a layered story. Overall goods imports jumped $143.2 billion. Yet in the automotive category, imports dropped sharply — down $52 billion — signaling shifting demand and supply chains.
Crude oil imports fell by $27.6 billion, continuing a trend of energy recalibration.
But the most dramatic movement came in capital goods. Imports of computers soared by $101.4 billion, accompanied by a $42.7 billion rise in computer accessories. The data underscores a technology-fueled appetite, as industries race to modernize and meet the accelerating demands of artificial intelligence.
