Economy August 4, 2026 12:27 PM

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows to $73.3 Billion as Both Imports and Exports Slide in June

Decline driven by lower goods flows, with crude oil and computer shipments among the notable movements; government sees trade gap subtracting one percentage point from Q2 GDP

By Nina Shah
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The U.S. trade deficit contracted to $73.3 billion in June, a 5.6% fall from May, as both exports and imports declined. Goods flows were the main driver of the move: exports of goods fell, led by lower industrial supplies and petroleum-related shipments, while goods imports fell with notable decreases in computer and capital goods. The government estimated the trade deficit reduced second-quarter GDP growth by one percentage point.

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows to $73.3 Billion as Both Imports and Exports Slide in June
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Key Points

  • The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $73.3 billion in June, a 5.6% decline from May - impacts trade-sensitive sectors and the overall GDP calculation.
  • Both exports and imports fell in June: exports were $314.7 billion (-0.9%) and imports were $388.0 billion (-1.8%) - relevant for goods producers, exporters, and import-reliant manufacturers.
  • Energy and technology flows shifted meaningfully: crude oil exports dropped $5.7 billion as average prices fell, while computer imports decreased $3.0 billion despite a $95.4 billion year-to-date increase compared with 2025 - affecting energy and electronics supply chains.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $73.3 billion in June, a 5.6% decrease from the prior month, according to data released Tuesday by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau. The contraction came as both exports and imports slipped during the month.

Monthly flows

Exports decreased 0.9% to $314.7 billion in June, while imports dropped 1.8% to $388.0 billion. The decline in goods trade accounted for much of the movement in both directions.

Goods exports and key components

  • Goods exports fell 1.9% to $206.9 billion.
  • A $3.3 billion reduction in industrial supplies and materials, including petroleum products, was a major contributor to the drop.
  • Crude oil exports declined by $5.7 billion; average crude prices eased to $95.82 per barrel in June from $107.82 in May.
  • Fuel oil exports fell $1.6 billion.
  • Nonmonetary gold exports increased by $3.4 billion.
  • Capital goods exports slipped by $0.6 billion, with computer shipments down $1.1 billion.

Goods imports and notable moves

  • Goods imports fell 2.5% to $309.0 billion.
  • Capital goods imports declined by $2.1 billion; computer imports contributed a $3.0 billion decrease.
  • Despite the monthly drop, computer imports remain $95.4 billion higher year-to-date compared with the same period in 2025.
  • Telecommunications equipment imports rose by $1.1 billion in June.

Economic impact note

The government estimated last week that the trade gap subtracted one percentage point from gross domestic product growth in the second quarter. That estimate reflects the trade deficit's drag on overall quarterly growth.

The monthly figures show a pattern of reduced cross-border flows for both exports and imports in June, with energy-related exports and several categories of capital goods moving significantly. The data were compiled and released by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau.

Risks

  • Lower energy export values driven by falling average crude prices could continue to reduce goods export revenue - this affects energy producers and related trading companies.
  • Declines in capital goods and computer shipments may signal softer demand or timing effects in technology and industrial purchasing - relevant to manufacturers and electronics suppliers.
  • The trade gap's subtraction of one percentage point from Q2 GDP introduces uncertainty about near-term growth momentum, which may influence market expectations and policy discussions.

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