The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit a record level in July, with imports outpacing exports by $4.97 billion — the largest gap ever recorded for that month. For the first seven months of 2025, the deficit has ballooned to $33.6 billion with the gap being driven primarily by rising imports, which climbed nearly 8% year-over-year to $132 billion, while exports slipped 1.3% to $98.8 billion.
Analysts say the shift reflects multiple pressures, including limited capacity to expand U.S. crop and livestock output, growing competition from global suppliers, and strong consumer demand for imported goods. A fresh round of tariffs that took effect in August is expected to further complicate trade dynamics in the months ahead.
Photo Credit: USDA
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