US Trade Deficit Widens to $105.6 Billion in August as Imports Surge

The US international trade deficit widened substantially to $105.6 billion in August 2026, up 13.7% from a revised $92.8 billion in July and exceeding forecasts. Inbound shipments drove the expansion, with imports climbing 4.3% to $420.8 billion, led by a $9.1 billion rise in industrial supplies and a $6.2 billion increase in capital goods. Exports grew at a slower 1.4% pace to $315.2 billion. The real goods deficit expanded 8.2% to $114.7 billion, signaling a drag on third-quarter GDP growth, though the cumulative year-to-date deficit remains 19.9% smaller than in 2025.