The World Map of the U.S. Trade Deficit

The United States has now run an annual trade deficit for 40 years in a row.

Last year was no exception, and in 2015 the U.S. had over $1.5 trillion in exports while importing $2.2 trillion of goods. The resulting trade deficit was -$735 billion.

Today’s map from HowMuch.net, a cost information site, helps put this most recent information into perspective. Keep in mind that a trade deficit also means an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets, as the U.S. is spending more money abroad than it is bringing in.

Here’s where that currency went:
(largest negative trade balances)

1. China: -$365.7 billion
2. Germany: -$74.2 billion
3. Japan: -$68.6 billion
4. Mexico: -$58.4 billion
5. Ireland: -$30.4 billion

China alone represents about 50% of the total trade deficit. In comparison, Europe only adds up to 23% of the overall negative balance.

The United States also has smaller, positive trade balances with some nations.

Here they are:

1. Hong Kong: $30.5 billion
2. Netherlands: $24.0 billion
3. Belgium: $14.6 billion
4. Australia: $14.2 billion
5. Singapore: $10.4 billion

Even if the U.S. multiplied its largest positive trade balance (Hong Kong) by a factor of 12x, it would only just then be enough to even out the deficit with China.