US Merchandise Trade Deficit Widens to Record on Import Surge

The US merchandise trade deficit widened unexpectedly in January to a record as imports surged ahead of President Donald Trump’s promised tariffs.

The shortfall in goods trade widened 25.6% to $153.3 billion, Commerce Department data showed Friday. The figure, which isn’t adjusted for inflation, compared with a $116.6 billion median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Imports rose 11.9% to a record $325.4 billion, fueled by industrial supplies and consumer goods. Exports increased 2% to $172.2 billion, reflecting more capital goods.

Monthly trade figures are taking on added economic and geopolitical significance as the Trump administration looks ...