Let's check in on the U.S. trade deficit

Let's check in on the U.S. trade deficit

From Marketplace by Marketplace

May 5, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the recent changes in the U.S. trade deficit and the economic factors influencing it.

In case you forgot, President Trump's tariffs had one goal: narrow the U.S. trade deficit. Compare March ‘25 to March ‘26, and the deficit has shrunk by half. But from February to March of this year, it actually widened — exports rose, while imports rose even more. In this episode, what’s driving all that economic activity? (Hint, it’s not tariffs.) Plus: 30-year Treasury yields top 5%, home remodeling is projected to slow in 2027, and we visit a job fair in Philadelphia. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

People in this episode

Host: Marketplace

Topics covered

  • U.S. trade deficit
  • economic activity
  • tariffs
  • Treasury yields
  • home remodeling
  • job fair

Keywords

  • trade deficit
  • tariffs
  • economic activity
  • Treasury yields
  • home remodeling
  • job fair

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Philadelphia

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