The US trade deficit deteriorated even though President Trump unleashed a barrage of tariffs to close trade imbalances.

The U.S. trade deficit swelled in December, closing out a year in which the imbalance was essentially unchanged.

The US goods deficit stood at $1.24 trillion for all of last year, widening slightly from 2024's level to its biggest in Commerce Department figures dating back to 1960.

The US bought more goods than it sold in 2025 as the White House attempts to reverse the flow.

The US trade deficit deteriorated even though President Trump unleashed a barrage of tariffs to close trade imbalances.