Visible signs abroad trade (and above all in imports) of USA The aggressive tariff policy of US President Donald Trump, according to a press release from the German Statistical Service (Destatis).
In April 2025, imports of goods in the US declined by nearly 20% compared to the previous month – a reduction of $ 68.4 billion, according to preliminary data from the US Census Office. Thus, imports amounted to $ 276.1 billion, having reached a record level of $ 344 billion in March.
The background of this drastic reduction is a phase of intense uncertainty about economic policy: in March, many companies were still storing their reserves pending new import duties – especially before the so -called “day of liberalization”, during which the US government announced high -profile tariffs.
Although mutual duties were initially upheld for 90 days, a basic 10% duty on all imports remained in force, supplemented by highly high duties on products from China. This has led to a high all -time average US tariff rates.
As a direct result, the US -based US -Balance deficit declined significantly in April – from US $ 163 billion in March to US $ 87.6 billion. This is the lowest level since December 2023, but although the deficit has been reduced by almost half, it is not so much structural correction and short -term market reaction to political intervention.
From a long -term perspective, April is more like a return to normalcy after importing due to imports in March, which had already burdened GDP growth in the first quarter.
Increased volatility abroad is expected in the coming months – depending on whether new trade agreements can be convened before the expiration of the 90 -day Customs Paul (April 9, 2025). If this is not the case, imports are likely to rise again in June, which is another example of how political decisions affect world trade in the short term, Destatis notes.