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Twin Deficits

By experts and staff

Published

Experts

  • By Benn Steil
    Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics

By

  • Dinah Walker
    Analyst, Geoeconomics
twins21

The U.S. federal deficit has increased significantly since the start of the recession, as tax revenues have fallen and spending has increased. But the trade deficit has actually shrunk, reaching its lowest level for ten years in May. So while the risks associated with dependence on external financing have declined, there are new risks stemming from increased fiscal borrowing.