Washington (United States) (AFP) - The United States recorded a trade deficit amounting to 1.241 trillion dollars during the year 2025, recording a record level with an increase of 2.1 percent over the previous year, according to data published by the Department of Commerce on Thursday.

Published on: 02/19/2026 - 16:11

This is due to imports rising faster than exports over the past year, despite the administration of President Donald Trump imposing customs duties on a large portion of imported goods.

Trump justified these tariffs primarily by restoring balance to trade exchanges between Washington and its main partners, with a special focus, in addition to China, on countries such as Canada and Mexico, as well as the European Union.

The value of imports of goods rose to 3,438 trillion dollars during 2025, and imports of services reached 895 billion.

Exports increased, but at lower rates, and stabilized at $2.197 trillion for goods and $1.235 trillion for services.

In December, the deficit in the trade balance of goods and services accelerated to $70.3 billion, an increase of 32.6% compared to November. This exceeded expectations of a trade deficit of $56 billion in December.

The widening of the deficit in the last month of last year is explained by a decline in exports and an increase in imports. This is mainly due to a decline in non-monetary gold exports, and a rise in imports of raw materials, metals and energy, as well as investment goods.

On the geographical level, the United States records the largest trade deficit with the European Union, China, and Mexico.

In the last month, the deficit was clearest in exchanges with Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico, which confirms the development of trade paths heading toward Washington, a trend that was observed during the last quarter.

© 2026 AFP

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