WASHINGTON — The United States recorded a narrower international trade deficit in April as exports rose to a record level, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), reflecting shifts in trade flows across major sectors and trading partners.
The agencies said on June 9 that the U.S. goods and services trade deficit declined to $55.9 billion in April from a revised $56.6 billion in March. Exports increased by $8.3 billion to a record $327.1 billion, while imports rose by $7.6 billion to $383.0 billion. Officials said the reduction in the deficit was driven primarily by a smaller goods trade gap.
According to the BEA, exports of goods rose strongly during the month, led by gains in capital goods, industrial supplies and consumer products. Exports of computers and civilian aircraft increased, while shipments of crude oil and other petroleum products also climbed. The agency reported that petroleum exports reached record levels during the month.
Imports also increased in April, with growth concentrated in capital goods. The BEA said imports of computers, semiconductors and telecommunications equipment posted notable gains. Services imports, including transportation, travel and insurance services, also rose.
“The goods and services deficit was $55.9 billion in April,” the Census Bureau and BEA said in their joint release, noting that exports and imports both increased from March levels.
Trade patterns with several major partners shifted during the month. The U.S. goods deficit with China narrowed by $2.6 billion to $12.0 billion as imports from China declined more rapidly than exports. The surplus with South and Central America widened, while the surplus with the United Kingdom narrowed after a decrease in U.S. exports to that market.
The report also showed broader changes in year-to-date trade performance. Through the first four months of 2026, the overall goods and services deficit was down by more than 49% compared with the same period a year earlier. During that period, exports increased by more than 11%, while imports declined by about 5.5%, according to the agencies.
Economists cited by Reuters said stronger exports of capital goods and energy products contributed to the April improvement, although imports of business equipment remained elevated. Reuters reported that increased investment in technology infrastructure, including artificial intelligence-related equipment, continued to support demand for imported capital goods.
The April figures incorporated annual revisions to trade statistics, including updates to goods and services data. The next monthly trade report, covering May 2026, is scheduled for release on July 7, according to the BEA.
