INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
figures.Market analysts had predicted a much smaller deficit of $134.5 billion
February exports reached $178.6 billion while imports totaled $326.5 billion
The January deficit surged by $33 billion month-over-month, far exceeding the previous record jump of $15 billion in March 2022.President
Trump has implemented sweeping tariff increases since returning to office
New duties include 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, 20% on Chinese imports, and additional steel and aluminum tariffs.Trading partners
have already announced retaliatory measures against American exports
Trump promised voters he would fix trade imbalances
The data shows mixed results so far.U.S
Trade Deficit Narrows to $147.9 Billion, Still Above Market Expectations
(Photo Internet reproduction)US Trade Deficit TrendsDuring his first term, the total deficit actually grew from $481 billion to $679 billion
Recent years saw the gap widen further, reaching $1,030 billion in 2023 before slightly decreasing to $918 billion in 2024.China remains
The European Union follows at $25.5 billion, with Switzerland surprisingly reaching $22.8 billion
Mexico, Vietnam, and Canada round out the top trading imbalances.Economists point to deeper structural issues beyond tariffs
Strong American consumer spending, low savings rates, and the powerful dollar drive the persistent deficit
The federal budget deficit also contributes significantly to trade imbalances.The February narrowing may prevent a sharp economic slowdown
The economy had expanded at 2.4% in late 2024.Business leaders now watch anxiously as trade tensions escalate
Many have already shifted supply chains to avoid tariffs
Trump continues to threaten additional duties if trading partners coordinate retaliatory actions against the United States.
