US semiconductor imports hit a record $15.4 billion in August, up $2.4 billion from the prior month, driven by the construction of AI data centers that require large quantities of hardware from overseas. Capital goods imports rose by $6.2 billion to reach $146.4 billion, with year-to-date totals exceeding $1.02 trillion, a 39% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The US goods-and-services trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion, up 13.7% from July’s revised deficit of $92.8 billion. Despite the current tariff regime, many imports tied to large-scale data projects continue to enter the country under specific waivers, underscoring continued reliance on Asian suppliers.
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