The United States reported a growing foreign trade deficit in April, with imports of goods outpacing exports by 74.6 billion dollars—the largest shortfall in six months. This gap marked a clear month-over-month rise, increasing by roughly 23 percent from March, according to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Commerce and summarized by agencies monitoring trade developments.
In April, total exports declined slightly, slipping by 9.2 billion dollars or 3.6 percent, to 249 billion dollars. At the same time, imports rose to 323.6 billion dollars, up 1.5 percent for the month, contributing to a wider trade imbalance. The combination produced a more pronounced shortfall for the period, as reflected in the latest government data.
Trade balance data for April show a 23 percent jump relative to March, with the deficit reaching 74.6 billion dollars. Revised figures identify March’s negative balance at 60.6 billion dollars. Looking at the January-through-April period, the United States experienced a year-over-year decline in the broader foreign trade balance, with total activity totaling 275.55 billion dollars, signaling shifts in domestic import demand and export performance during the early months of the year.
Looking ahead to June, updated government statistics emphasize changes in the makeup of imports. Analysts point to a notable year-over-year drop in Russian-origin goods entering the U.S. market in April, even as overall import exposure remained sensitive to evolving global trade dynamics. The latest data indicate a second spring month with a marked reduction in certain import categories, underscoring how shifts in global supply chains and policy measures shape the U.S. trade picture.