Trump Warns of Trade Halt as US July Deficit Climbs

U.S. July trade data show the goods and services deficit rising to $88.6 billion (from $71.2B in June), with exports at about $310.7B and imports at $399.3B; the goods deficit widened to $119.6B and the services surplus edged up to $31.0B. In response, Trump posted on Truth Social threatening to halt trade with deficit countries unless the Fed cuts rates, framing tariffs as effective while acknowledging persistent imbalances with key partners; year-to-date deficits have improved versus 2025, though the underlying deficits remain a major policy issue.