US trade deficit widens to largest in four months

Shipping containers at US seaport, facilitating both imports and exports

US trade deficit widened in July to its highest level in four months, as businesses accelerated imports of goods and materials ahead of President Trump's tariffs on trading partners.

According to Commerce Department data released Thursday, the goods and services trade deficit increased by about 33% from the previous month to $78.3 billion, compared to the expected $78 billion.

The value of imports increased 5.9% in July, the largest increase year-to-date, driven by growth in shipments of industrial supplies, consumer goods, and capital equipment excluding automobiles.