05.10.2026 Trade & Markets #USA #Import #Export #Statistics
US goods trade deficit widens to $132.6 billion in August
The US goods trade deficit was $132.6 billion in August 2026, up $13.7 billion from $118.9 billion in July. The U.S. Census Bureau published the data on September 30, 2026, in its monthly Advance Economic Indicators Report (release CB26-159).
Imports up $17.4 billion in a month
Goods exports in August were $203.4 billion, $3.7 billion more than in July. Imports were $336.1 billion, $17.4 billion more than in July (Census).
In percentage terms, the report's table shows exports up 1.9% from July and 14.5% from August 2025. Imports rose 5.5% from July and 27.9% from August 2025 (Census, Table 1).
Breakdown by end-use category
The report splits trade into six end-use groups. The figures below are seasonally adjusted and not adjusted for price changes (Census, Table 1).
Imports: - industrial supplies and materials (including petroleum and petroleum products): +16.6% from July, to $62.4 billion; - capital goods: $145.8 billion, up 4.0% from July and up 57.2% from August 2025, when the figure was $92.8 billion; - consumer goods: −1.6% from July; - foods, feeds and beverages: +5.5% from July; - automotive vehicles and parts: +0.9% from July; - other goods: +18.8% from July.
Exports: - industrial supplies and materials: +8.3% from July, to $77.5 billion; - consumer goods: −10.5% from July, to $20.6 billion; - capital goods: +2.0% from July; - automotive vehicles and parts: −6.9% from July; - foods, feeds and beverages: −5.6% from July; - other goods: +7.3% from July.
Census does not name the reasons for these movements in the report.
Advance estimates will be refined in the FT-900 report
The figures cover goods only and do not include services. As Census explains, current-month statistics reflect nearly complete coverage. Statistics with complete coverage will be published in the upcoming FT-900 report (U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services). Figures for other months come from the most recently published FT-900. The data cannot be converted to a balance-of-payments basis, as Census notes the information needed for that is not available (Census).
Census describes the methodology as follows: - the data are on a Census basis and compiled from documents collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; - imports are recorded at the CBP appraised value, excluding import duties, freight and insurance; - exports are valued free alongside ship at the US port of export.
The next advance report, for September, is scheduled for October 28, 2026 (Census).
Primary sources
This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.