U.S. budget deficit falls 9% in May as Trump tariffs boost customs revenue

The U.S. budget deficit narrowed to $316 billion in May, marking a 9% drop from last year, largely due to a surge in customs revenue driven by President Trump’s new tariffs.

The U.S. Treasury reported a $316 billion budget deficit for May, showing a 9% year-over-year decline, or $31 billion less than May 2024. The improvement was largely attributed to a sharp rise in customs duties, which nearly quadrupled to a record $23 billion, thanks to President Donald Trump’s expanded tariffs on imports. Compared to the same month last year, total receipts jumped 15% to $371 billion, while outlays increased modestly to $687 billion. Fiscal year-to-date customs revenue rose nearly 60%, reaching $86 billion.

Calendar shifts affected both years’ numbers due to June benefits being paid in May; after adjusting, the May 2025 deficit would be $219 billion — a 17% improvement from May 2024’s adjusted $263 billion. Notably, interest payments on public debt dropped 10% to $92 billion, marking the first decline since October.

Copied