US trade shortfall balloons in December, far exceeding forecasts

By Iain Gilbert

Date: Thursday 19 Feb 2026

(Sharecast News) - The US trade deficit widened sharply in December, rising 32.6% to $70.3bn from $53bn in November and coming in well above expectations for a $55.5bn shortfall, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Exports fell 1.7% to $287.3bn, driven by a steep drop in non‑monetary gold, though sales of semiconductors, pharmaceutical products and travel services increased.

Imports rose 3.6% to $357.6bn, led by higher purchases of computer accessories, non‑monetary gold, copper, telecoms equipment, transport services, crude oil and travel. Pharmaceutical imports declined.

For 2025 as a whole, the US recorded a trade deficit of $901.47bn, slightly narrower than the $903.5bn gap in 2024 but wider than the $774.2bn deficit in 2023.

Full‑year exports totalled $3.43trn, up $199.8bn on the year, while imports rose $197.8bn to $4.33trn.





Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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