The United States' trade deficit widened by 27% last year, under the effect of the rebound in demand and trade after a year 2020 marked by the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic which had paralyzed in the spring the US and world economy.
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The goods and services deficit hit a record high of $859.13 billion.
And the goods deficit reached 1,090.68 billion dollars.
For the month of December alone, the deficit reached 80.73 billion, which is more than the 79.6 billion dollars expected by analysts.
Conversely, at 231.5 billion dollars, the surplus for trade in services is the lowest since 2012. Over the year as a whole, exports rebounded by 18.5%, but imports grew even faster (+20.5%), boosted by domestic demand.
Increase in imported consumption
American households had indeed benefited from substantial aid from the government, which had unexpectedly inflated their savings before feeding consumption.
Americans have been particularly fond of cell phones, household equipment, toys, as well as sporting goods and clothing.
By geographical area, the deficit of the United States widened by 14.5% with China, it more than tripled with Canada, it jumped by 19.2% with the European Union.
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On the other hand, it fell with Mexico (-4.8%).
For the month of December alone, the deficit reached $80.73 billion.
This is more than the 79.6 billion dollars expected by analysts.
