TRADE: This Year, Ironically, First U.S. Deficit Record In 12 Years.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. trade deficit will almost certainly set a record in 2018 for the first time in 12 years , new data suggests for the first time.

It’s been a remarkable run without a deficit. To provide context, prior to 2006, the last record-setting year, the United States had set a record 11 of the previous 12 years.

It is also not without irony that the run of years without a deficit would come to an end under President Trump.

There’s nothing ironic about it. The economy and the dollar are both strong under Trump, meaning we can afford to buy more stuff.