US Trade Deficit Surges in December as Goods Gap Hits Record High in 2025
The US trade deficit widened sharply to 70.3 billion dollars in December. The annual goods gap reached a record high despite a year of aggressive new tariffs.
The US 
US trade deficit expanded significantly in December, widening 32.6% to reach $70.3 billion, a surge that contributed to the U.S. goods trade sector reaching an all-time high annual deficit of $1.24 trillion in 2025. According to data released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce / Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the U.S. Census Bureau, this larger-than-expected gap could prompt economists to lower fourth-quarter GDP growth estimates. The report, which was delayed by last year’s government shutdown, was released ahead of a delayed BEA advance fourth-quarter GDP estimate and highlights a significant shift in near-term economic readings.
US trade deficit expanded significantly in December, widening 32.6% to reach $70.3 billion, a surge that contributed to the U.S. goods trade sector reaching an all-time high annual deficit of $1.24 trillion in 2025. According to data released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce / Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the U.S. Census Bureau, this larger-than-expected gap could prompt economists to lower fourth-quarter GDP growth estimates. The report, which was delayed by last year’s government shutdown, was released ahead of a delayed BEA advance fourth-quarter GDP estimate and highlights a significant shift in near-term economic readings.
