The US Department of Commerce said the US trade deficit widened to $88.6 billion in July 2026, a 24.4% increase from the previous month and the largest since March 2025. ^[1] The U.S. goods trade deficit with 13 key Asia-Pacific economies grew to $93.8 billion in July, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday. ^[2] On August 25, the Trump administration's Commerce Department approved Illinois's spending plan under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, making it the last of the 56 states and territories to receive clearance. ^[3] President Donald Trump stated on September 4, 2026, that the United States will stop trading with countries where the US runs a trade deficit if the Federal Reserve does not lower interest rates. ^[4] The US Department of Commerce said imports rose 2.8% to $399.3 billion in July 2026, driven by computers, computer accessories and semiconductors. ^[5] US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC in July 2026 that Washington is developing new tariffs on semiconductors, saying 'What you're going to see is targeted, thoughtful tariff policy that basically says if you build here, you don't pay.' ^[6] US trade gaps with Mexico, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia also hit their highest on record in July 2026. ^[7] Imports from the Asia-Pacific region continued to climb during July, contributing to the widening trade imbalance. ^[8] The Trump administration attempted to reduce inbound shipments to the United States during the period covered by the data. ^[9] Arielle Roth, head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), stated that with all 56 Final Proposals approved, the administration is achieving Congress's vision of closing the digital divide. ^[10] According to the US Department of Commerce, the European Union has the largest US trade deficit, followed by Mexico, China, and Vietnam. ^[11] Trump claimed that the US Supreme Court has recognized the President's absolute authority to impose such trade restrictions in response to expensive tariff rulings. ^[12]