Summary
The United States trade deficit decreased in 2025, but tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump did not reduce trade dependency on Southeast and East Asia. Instead of reducing trade, the tariffs shifted how and where trade occurred, resulting in more trade with Southeast Asia even though some goods faced higher tariffs.
Key Facts
- President Trump imposed "reciprocal tariffs" on trade partners to decrease the U.S. trade deficit.
- The U.S. trade deficit for goods fell from $245.5 billion in 2024 to $175.4 billion in 2025.
- The value of Chinese exports to the U.S. decreased by 20% in 2025.
- Average U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods were 47.5% as of November 2025.
- Tariffs on Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia and Vietnam were between 19% and 20%.
- Despite tariffs, U.S. trade with countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines increased in 2025.
- The U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam increased by more than $20 billion, from $123.4 billion in 2024 to $145.7 billion in 2025.
