US trade deficit widens to $105.6 billion in August, up $12.7 billion
The Census Bureau and BEA report the US goods and services deficit at $105.6 billion in August, up $12.7 billion from July. The goods deficit rose $12.8 billion.
The US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported on 6 October 2026 that the goods and services deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August. That is $12.7 billion more than the $92.8 billion deficit in July.
The numbers
- Goods deficit: up $12.8 billion on the month
- Three-month average: $89.9 billion, up $9.9 billion
- Year to date: the goods and services deficit is $138.2 billion, or 19.9%, lower than a year earlier
Reading it
A wider deficit means the US is buying more from abroad than it sells, which can weigh on the dollar, although the effect on exchange rates is often small next to interest rates. The year-to-date fall shows the deficit is still smaller than a year earlier, even though it widened this month.
For July's figures, see the US trade deficit in July. For the fiscal side of the picture, see the US deficit for fiscal 2026. Live prices: EUR/USD.
Sources
Common questions
How large was the US trade deficit in August 2026?
The goods and services deficit was $105.6 billion, up $12.7 billion from July.
What was the three-month average trade deficit?
The average for the three months to August was $89.9 billion, up $9.9 billion.
Why does the trade deficit matter for the dollar?
A wider deficit means more dollars flow abroad to pay for imports, which can weigh on the currency, although interest rates usually matter more.
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