The US trade deficit narrowed to $55.9 billion in April 2026, down from a revised $56.6 billion in March and below market expectations of $56.1 billion. Exports climbed 2.6% ($8.3 billion) to a record $327.1 billion, supported by stronger sales of capital goods (up $4.0 billion, including computers and civilian aircraft), industrial supplies (up $2.5 billion, led by crude oil and petroleum products amid higher energy prices linked to Middle East tensions), and consumer goods (up $1.7 billion). By contrast, service exports declined by $0.4 billion, reflecting weaker travel, transport, and maintenance services.
Imports rose 2.0% ($7.6 billion) to $383.0 billion, the highest level in a year, driven entirely by increased purchases of capital goods (up $7.0 billion), particularly computers, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment. Imports of services grew by $1.3 billion, boosted mainly by transport, travel, and insurance services.
