U.S. Trade Deficit Widens in July 2026

The U.S. trade deficit widened to $88.6 billion in July 2026, the largest gap since March 2025, driven by a 2.8% rise in imports—especially computers, components, and semiconductors—while exports slipped 2.1% on lower crude oil and nonmonetary gold sales. Analysts note this reflects the ongoing AI tech build-out and related import demand, alongside a backdrop of tariff adjustments and shifting trade policies in a volatile environment. Commentary underscores that a stronger domestic tech import surge is contributing to the deficit, with overall trade fluctuations tied to policy changes and external factors such as Middle East supply disruptions. The data show notable import growth in capital-intensive goods and a drop in energy exports, as well as widened gaps with major partners like Mexico and Vietnam, and a shifted balance with China and Switzerland. Uruguay, by contrast, saw its July trade deficit widen to $182.84 million, with imports rising across intermediate goods, oil, electricity, and consumer goods, while exports edged higher on manufactured goods.