Episode

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

Podcast: Marketplace
Published: May 5, 2026
Duration seconds: 1518
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Canonical source: https://www.marketplace.org/episode/2026/05/05/lets-check-in-on-the-us-trade-deficit
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Summary

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.