U.S. Trade Deficit Widens in December Due to Surge in Imports

The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in December due to a surge in imports, driven by businesses rushing orders ahead of potential tariffs. The deficit increased to $98.4 billion, the highest since March 2022, with significant deficits recorded with China, Mexico, and Canada. Economists are divided on whether the front-loading of imports explains the entire deficit increase.