Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 29
U.S. Goods Trade Deficit Jumps to $105.8 Billion as Tariff Stockpiling Lifts Imports
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 29

U.S. Goods Trade Deficit Jumps to $105.8 Billion as Tariff Stockpiling Lifts Imports

2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 29

Summary

  • May's U.S. goods trade deficit widened by more than $20 billion to $105.8 billion from $83 billion in April, according to Census Bureau data released Friday.
  • Analysts said importers rushed shipments during a gap between overturned IEEPA tariffs and possible new duties, while retail and wholesale inventories both rose in May.
  • Capital-goods imports — including computers, accessories and chips tied to data-center construction — climbed nearly 42% from a year earlier, helped by carve-outs from January's 25% semiconductor tariffs.
  • The surge complicates a core Trump trade goal of shrinking the deficit as officials prepare a busy July of tariff deadlines, including proposed 25% duties on Brazil and broader forced-labor cases.

Insights

As the U.S. rebuilds its tariff wall, can it secure critical supply chains and successfully renegotiate key trade deals like the USMCA?
With the AI boom grid-bound by import shortages, can new tariffs avoid worsening delays for critical data center projects?
Will the USMCA review prioritize protecting import-sensitive farmers or securing manufacturing supply chains from Mexico and Canada?