The US trade deficit widened 4.4% to $60.3 billion in March, as import growth outpaced exports, signaling resilient demand. Imports rose 2.3%, driven by vehicles, consumer goods, and AI-related capital equipment, while exports gained 2% on higher oil shipments. Net exports weighed on Q1 GDP. Ongoing Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions add further uncertainty to global trade flows.

2026-05-05

The US trade deficit widened 4.4% to $60.3 billion in March, as import growth outpaced exports, signaling resilient demand. Imports rose 2.3%, driven by vehicles, consumer goods, and AI-related capital equipment, while exports gained 2% on higher oil shipments. Net exports weighed on Q1 GDP. Ongoing Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions add further uncertainty to global trade flows.