Background

The monthly U.S. trade deficit in goods and services dropped another 10.8 percent in September to the lowest point in more than five years.

Imports of $342.1 billion in September were up 0.5 percent from August. Imports of goods gained 0.6 percent to $266.6 billion, with increases of $12.9 billion for pharmaceutical preparations, $1.9 billion for non-monetary gold, and $1.7 billion for computer accessories along with decreases of $4.7 billion for computers and $1.5 billion for electric apparatus. Services imports edged up 0.4 percent to $75.5 billion, a record high.

Exports jumped 3.0 percent to $289.3 billion in September. Exports of goods rose 4.9 percent to $187.6 billion, with increases of $6.1 billion for non-monetary gold and $3.1 billion for pharmaceutical preparations and a decrease of $2.3 billion for computers. Services exports slipped 0.4 percent to $101.7 billion.

The monthly U.S. trade deficit decreased from $59.6 billion in August to $52.8 billion in September. The deficit in goods trade fell 8.2 percent to $79.0 billion while the services trade surplus lost 2.2 percent to $26.2 billion.

For the year to date the U.S. trade deficit was up 17.2 percent from the same period in 2024 as imports rose 7.7 percent and exports gained 5.2 percent.

For the month of September 2025, trade deficits and surpluses with major trading partners were as follows.

Country/region

Deficit

% Change

Surplus

% Change

Ireland

$18.2 billion

+506.7

 

 

Mexico

$17.8 billion

+9.2

 

 

European Union

$17.8 billion

+119.8

 

 

Vietnam

$14.4 billion

0

 

 

China

$11.4 billion

-26.0

 

 

Taiwan

$9.4 billion

-23.0

 

 

Canada

$4.9 billion

+63.3

 

 

Germany

$4.6 billion

0

 

 

Japan

$3.6 billion

-36.8

 

 

South Korea

$3.4 billion

-32.0

 

 

India

$3.1 billion

-35.4

 

 

Malaysia

$1.8 billion

0

 

 

Italy

$0.4 billion

-75.0

 

 

France

$0.3 billion

0

 

 

Israel

$0.1 billion

-75.0

 

 

Switzerland

 

 

$6.6 billion

Shift from $0.1 billion deficit

Netherlands

 

 

$5.9 billion

+15.7

South/Central America

 

 

$5.0 billion

+2.0

Hong Kong

 

 

$2.1 billion

+23.5

Belgium

 

 

$1.4 billion

+180

Brazil

 

 

$1.3 billion

+8.3

United Kingdom

 

 

$1.1 billion

+10.0

Australia

 

 

$1.1 billion

-68.8

Saudi Arabia

 

 

$0.4 billion

+33.3

Singapore

 

 

$0.1 billion

-88.9

 

Copyright © 2026 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.

ST&R: International Trade Law & Policy

Since 1977, we have set the standard for international trade lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive and effective customs, import and export services to clients worldwide.

View Our Services 

Close

Cookie Consent

We have updated our Privacy Policy relating to our use of cookies on our website and the sharing of information. By continuing to use our website or subscribe to our publications, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.