In April, President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs for multiple countries, including a 10% increase specifically for Brazil. According to data released by the US government on Thursday, the trade deficit in goods reached $1.24 billion in 2025, reflecting a slight increase compared to 2024 levels, as reported by the Department of Commerce. Notably, while the overall deficit increased, the deficit in trade with China showed a decrease over the year.

Despite the implementation of these tariffs, which aimed to curtail imports and promote American goods, the total trade deficit for goods and services in the US was reported to be $901.5 billion in 2025, down from $903.5 billion in 2024. This indicates a marginal reduction in the overall trade imbalance, which the Trump administration intended to address through its tariff strategies. The ongoing trends in the deficit highlight the complexities involved in international trade and the effectiveness of tariffs as a tool for economic adjustments.

The December figures showed an increase in the total deficit, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of the tariff policies instituted by the previous administration. Economic analysts and policymakers will be closely monitoring these trends to assess their implications for future trade negotiations and economic strategies. The challenges faced by the US trade sector illustrate the intricate dynamics of global supply chains and demand, as well as the weighted impact of international tariffs on domestic and foreign economies.