Day: February 19, 2026

Imports to the U.S. grew to a record high in 2025, leaving the trade deficit little changed despite steep Trump administration tariffs aimed at closing trade gaps.

The nation’s trade deficit—the gap between imports and exports in both goods and services—was $901.5 billion last year, slightly smaller than the $903.5 billion deficit recorded in 2024, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The small change shows America’s role as a heavy net importer remains intact, at least thus far, despite seismic policy shifts during the year.

There were big swings in trade patterns along the way, however, including an early-year surge in imports as companies tried to get ahead of new tariffs. That surge rapidly reversed after some of the tariffs were rolled back and businesses adjusted to the new trade regime.