Us Trade Deficit Lowest Since 2009!

[Meathead]

I get that some will find this a complete disaster since it's happening under Trump, but those not suffering from acute TDS will agree that this is good news indeed:

The U.S. has lived with a massive trade deficit for decades. But under President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, that gap is suddenly narrowing — and much faster than many expected.

That became clear on CNBC when anchor Rick Santelli reacted in real time to the latest numbers.
“On the trade balance, which we know is going to be a deficit, we’re expecting a number around $58 billion,” Santelli said on Thursday morning (1). As he read through the Commerce Department’s update, his tone shifted. “Buckle up, this is unreal! The movement in this number: -$29.4 billion — we cut it basically in half! We cut it in half!”

October’s $29.4 billion trade deficit didn’t just come in well below economists’ forecasts — it marked a 39% drop from September’s $48.1 billion gap (2).

Santelli also underscored how dramatic the swing has been compared to earlier this year, before Trump’s tariffs took effect.

“Just consider this: In March it was $136 billion. Right now, it’s a whisker under $30 billion. We haven't been that small in a long time — I don't have enough records here to go back that far!” he said.

As it turns out, it’s the smallest trade deficit since June 2009.

Tariffs are designed to discourage imports and reshape trade flows, so the trend isn’t entirely unexpected. As Santelli noted, “Here’s the news on why it moved lower: Imports were down and exports were up.”

‘Buckle up!’: CNBC anchor shocked as US trade deficit plunges to lowest since 2009. How to take advantage in 2026

It’s the smallest trade deficit since June 2009.

www.yahoo.com

 

[shockedcanadian]

Tariffs ftw

 

[Meathead]

Tariffs ftw

Obviously, but they're supposed to be catastrophic, or at least that's what we were endlessly told.

 

[shockedcanadian]

Obviously, but they're supposed to be catastrophic, or at least that's what we were endlessly told.

The experts are rarely right and are almost always politicized.

Their efforts achieved one certainty: the loss of trust by the general public on the opinion of many experts, from America to Japan. Quite an unfortunate outcome tbh

 

[Meathead]

The experts are rarely right and are almost always politicized.

Their efforts achieved one certainty: the loss of trust by the general public on the opinion of many experts, from America to Japan. Quite an unfortunate outcome tbh

I don't consider USMB TDSers experts at anything, except TDS of course.

 

[Crepitus]

I get that some will find this a complete disaster since it's happening under Trump, but those not suffering from acute TDS will agree that this is good news indeed:

The U.S. has lived with a massive trade deficit for decades. But under President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, that gap is suddenly narrowing — and much faster than many expected.

That became clear on CNBC when anchor Rick Santelli reacted in real time to the latest numbers.
“On the trade balance, which we know is going to be a deficit, we’re expecting a number around $58 billion,” Santelli said on Thursday morning (1). As he read through the Commerce Department’s update, his tone shifted. “Buckle up, this is unreal! The movement in this number: -$29.4 billion — we cut it basically in half! We cut it in half!”

October’s $29.4 billion trade deficit didn’t just come in well below economists’ forecasts — it marked a 39% drop from September’s $48.1 billion gap (2).

Santelli also underscored how dramatic the swing has been compared to earlier this year, before Trump’s tariffs took effect.

“Just consider this: In March it was $136 billion. Right now, it’s a whisker under $30 billion. We haven't been that small in a long time — I don't have enough records here to go back that far!” he said.

As it turns out, it’s the smallest trade deficit since June 2009.

Tariffs are designed to discourage imports and reshape trade flows, so the trend isn’t entirely unexpected. As Santelli noted, “Here’s the news on why it moved lower: Imports were down and exports were up.”

‘Buckle up!’: CNBC anchor shocked as US trade deficit plunges to lowest since 2009. How to take advantage in 2026

It’s the smallest trade deficit since June 2009.

www.yahoo.com

There is less trade.

I'm not sure why you morons think this is a good thing.

 

[Meathead]

There is less trade.

I'm not sure why you morons think this is a good thing.

Imports were down, exports were up idiot.

 

[Muhammed]

Obviously, but they're supposed to be catastrophic, or at least that's what we were endlessly told.

They just have to be used very judiciously. And don't expect the deficit or government debt to disappear.

Having a trade deficit and government debt to foreign countries goes along with the U.S. dollar being world's reserve currency.

 

[Woodznutz]

There is less trade.

I'm not sure why you morons think this is a good thing.

TBD. Business startups have increased, some maybe taking advantage of opportunities caused by the tariffs.

 

[Crepitus]

TBD. Business startups have increased, some maybe taking advantage of opportunities caused by the tariffs.

massive layoff often stimulate a jump is startups. And you and I both know most startups fail.

 

[Woodznutz]

massive layoff often stimulate a jump is startups. And you and I both know most startups fail.

That's generally true. However, the more startups 'start' more will succeed.