FX.co ★ US Goods Trade Gap Widens to 14-Month High

The U.S. goods trade deficit widened to $105.8 billion in May 2026 from $83 billion in April, on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the largest gap in more than a year and far exceeding market expectations of an $85 billion shortfall. Imports rose 3.6% to $313.4 billion, the highest level in 14 months despite tariffs imposed by the presidential administration. Inbound shipments increased for consumer goods (up 5.7% to $59.5 billion), industrial supplies (up 4.8% to $55.9 billion), foods, feeds, and beverages (up 4.3% to $18.2 billion), and other goods (up 11.5% to $15.4 billion). In contrast, exports declined 5.4% to $207.7 billion, though they remained the third-highest on record, as domestic price pressures weighed on U.S. producers. Outbound shipments fell for industrial supplies (down 7% to $82.7 billion) and consumer goods (down 9.2% to $20.7 billion).