The $78 billion trade deficit may look big. But compared to what?

Jan 7, 2025
The trade gap signals strong demand for imports, which can be a good sign for the economy. Also, it's been fairly stable relative to GDP.
When the trade deficit ballooned in 2022, it was a sign of a rebounding supply chain.
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Biden pressures China on commitments to buy U.S. goods and services

Nov 16, 2021
This is part of the phase one trade deal China signed with the Trump administration. But those goals may have been unrealistic.
President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a virtual summit Monday.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Import prices declined unexpectedly in August

Sep 15, 2021
These prices may be a bellwether of where domestic or worldwide inflation are headed, says Cornell economist Eswar Prasad.
A container vessel passes under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York. Although import prices eased in August, they were up 9% year over year.
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American manufacturers cope with the loss of EU tariff exemptions

Duties seem like a thing between countries, but individual businesses often wind up holding the economic bag.
Rail cars loaded with rolled up steel at ThyssenKrupp Schwelgern steel plant on May 30, 2018, in Duisburg, Germany.
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Is a border adjustment tax illegal?

Mar 15, 2017
It very well could be.
Under the GOP plan, the border adjustment tax amounts to a 20 percent tax on imports.
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Economists outraged by Trump plan to 'cook the books'

Feb 21, 2017
The White House may ask for changes to trade deficit and economic growth data.
President Donald Trump's administration is said to be considering changes to the way the trade deficit is calculated.
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Moving manufacturing jobs to Mexico isn't a bad thing

Aug 26, 2016
To produce commodities, Mexico has to consume a chunk of U.S. goods.
Los Angeles Times reporter Natalie Kitroeff says that Mexico's manufacturing boom is good news for workers in the United States. 
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For public good, not for profit.

Boeing laments hamstrung Ex-Im Bank

Apr 8, 2016
Vacancies on the bank's board have limited its ability to lend
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The role of the strong dollar in international trade

Dec 29, 2015
It makes American products more expensive abroad and may continue to for a while.