The US trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August 2026 from a revised $92.8 billion in July, exceeding market expectations of $102.0 billion and marking its largest gap since March 2025. The widening was driven by a $17.2 billion surge in imports to $420.8 billion. Imports of industrial supplies and materials rose $9.1 billion, led by crude oil and nonmonetary gold, while capital goods imports increased $6.2 billion on stronger purchases of semiconductors and other industrial machinery. These gains more than offset a decline in computer accessories. Imports of services were little changed, as higher transport imports offset declines in charges for the use of intellectual property and travel.