April’s trade gap shrank as exports rose faster than imports, marking the first monthly improvement in 2026.
The US trade deficit narrowed to $55.9 billion in April from a revised $56.6 billion in March, driven by a larger increase in exports than imports. The goods deficit fell by $2.4 billion to $83.7 billion, while the services surplus declined by $1.7 billion to $27.8 billion.
March’s deficit had widened to $56.6 billion, reversing a trend of modest improvements earlier in the year. Analysts had expected a smaller contraction, citing persistent strength in domestic demand.
Markets showed limited reaction, with the dollar and Treasury yields holding steady after the release.