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Rising import prices put pressure on slowing inflation

Feb 15, 2024
Prices may continue to stay high if services and imports rise in tandem.
U.S. import prices rose in January, a sign that disinflation could be slowing.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

U.S. agricultural trade deficit could grow to record high

Jan 16, 2024
Food exports are doing well, but imports are up. The strong dollar is part of the equation.
For the third time in five years, the U.S. will import more agricultural products than it exports. Above, a Cargill worker blows excess soybeans off the top of a river barge and closes the barge’s loading lids.
Tristen Rouse/STLPR

The U.S. November trade deficit was $63B, but that's not the important thing

Jan 9, 2024
Trade deficit numbers get a lot of attention in election years. Here are some things to know about the nuance behind the numbers.
"Counterintuitively, an expanding trade deficit is typically associated with stronger economic growth in the United States," says Scott Lincicome with the Cato Institute.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

U.S. consumer goods and vehicle exports hit a record in January

Mar 9, 2023
Some of the increase reflects growing economies in other countries. And it's welcome news for U.S. factories, one economist says.
Any increase in exports is welcome news for U.S. factories, said Chad Moutray with the National Association of Manufacturers.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A strong dollar is hurting exports, helping imports and expanding the trade deficit

Feb 7, 2023
The dollar's strong because the Federal Reserve's been raising interest rates.
American exports have been hurt by the slowing global economy and the strong dollar. Above, a container ship at Cuxhaven, Germany.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

New trade data shows weakening demand

Jan 5, 2023
Imports fell more than exports.
"One of the things I think is a commonality across both imports and exports is a weakening of new orders,” said Eric Freedman at U.S. Bank. 
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U.S. trade deficit shrinks as exports rise

Aug 4, 2022
The deficit shrank 6% in June on record exports. Sending liquefied natural gas to Europe played a part in that.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The trade deficit was partly to blame for the hit to GDP. But there's a silver lining.

Apr 28, 2022
Global turmoil put a cap on U.S. exports, while the easing of supply chain snags allowed Americans to import more.
More imports and fewer exports caused a slight dip in GDP, but that's giving the supply chain a chance to recover.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

August's trade gap was the biggest in 14 years. That's probably good news

Oct 6, 2020
It's a sign that Americans have money to spend on consumer goods and businesses are importing parts for things they'll sell to consumers.
A container ship sits at the Port of Oakland in Northern California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The falling trade deficit can mean a lot of things

Jan 7, 2020
U.S. consumers could be buying more American products. Or just buying less of everything.
David McNew/Getty Images