U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows Amid Tariff Surge

The U.S. trade deficit shrunk to $122.7 billion in February as businesses rushed to import goods before new tariffs took effect. Despite record imports, exports reached a high of $278.5 billion. Economists are concerned that tariffs may slow economic growth in the first quarter of the year.

The United States' trade deficit saw a significant reduction in February to $122.7 billion, down from January's revised $130.7 billion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This decrease occurred despite high import levels as companies raced to import goods ahead of escalating tariffs.

Economists' expectations were nearly met as they had projected a trade deficit shrinkage to $123.5 billion. President Trump confirmed a new 10% baseline tariff on all imports, marking the highest tariff level in more than a century. While Trump aims to bolster revenue and support U.S. industries, economists express worry over potential economic growth retardation.

February showed unchanged imports of $401.1 billion, contrasted by record export levels of $278.5 billion. Noteworthy were the rises in consumer goods and capital goods imports, while goods like civilian aircraft saw declines. Export growth was driven by nonmonetary gold, capital goods, and motor vehicles, but services exports fell, reflecting a shift in economic balances.

(With inputs from agencies.)