Have Trump's tariffs worked? The US trade deficit's slower growth would suggest so.

The tariff confrontation reduces competitiveness and limits projected export volumes. Photo: iStock

Have Trump's tariffs worked? The US trade deficit's slower growth would suggest so.

TL;DR

  • The US trade deficit grew by 4.9% to $57.3 billion in February.
  • Both imports and exports increased during the period.
  • A Supreme Court ruling struck down a broad range of Trump's tariffs.
  • A Pew Research Center poll indicated low public confidence in Trump's trade policy decisions.
  • Economists at KPMG noted the court ruling could impact future data by opening a window for import surges.
  • The February deficit was smaller than the $62 billion expected by economists.