Record US Trade Deficit in 2025 Despite Widespread Trump Tariffs

Despite intensive efforts by the Donald Trump administration aimed at protecting the domestic market, the United States trade balance shows a deepening imbalance. According to the latest data from the Department of Commerce, the goods trade deficit rose in 2025 to a record amount of $1.24 trillion, representing an increase of 2.1% compared to the previous year. December brought a particularly drastic reading, when the negative trade balance jumped to $70.3 billion from $53 billion in November. Goods imports to the US rose by 3.6%, while exports fell by 1.7%, suggesting that tariffs failed to stem the inflow of foreign products. Mercantilist policy, based on striving for an export surplus over imports, dominated in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries, becoming the foundation for building colonial powers. The data also reveal tectonic changes in global supply chains. China ceased to be the main exporter of goods to the US, with its place in December taken by Taiwan, an effect of the boom in artificial intelligence-related technologies. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Middle Kingdom returned to the position of the most important trading partner for Germany, overtaking the US, with which trade fell by 5%. In North America, Mexico became the largest export market for US goods, surpassing Canada. Concurrently, President Trump signed an executive order granting strategic status to the production of glyphosate, which sparked fury in the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) coalition. US Trade Deficit with Partners in 2025: China: 202, Mexico: 160, Taiwan: 85 The economic effects of the trade war are also affecting American companies. The Deere corporation estimates its tariff expenses at $1.2 billion, half of which depends on an upcoming Supreme Court ruling regarding the president's authority to unilaterally impose trade levies. Although the trade deficit with China alone fell to its lowest level in 21 years, this gap was filled by imports from other directions, undermining the overall effectiveness of the White House's strategy in reducing the global trade debt. 1.24 trillion — dollars was the US goods deficit in 2025 „Women feel betrayed by decisions regarding pesticides.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Highlights the ineffectiveness of tariffs in reducing the deficit and the negative effects for consumers and the environment through support for glyphosate. | Emphasizes trade independence from China and the protection of American agriculture as a defense sector.