Trump Tariffs Claimed to Cut Deficit 78%; Invesco QQQ Trust ETF Jumps 0.75%
President Donald Trump asserted that reciprocal tariffs since April 2025 have cut the U.S. trade deficit by 78% and predicted a first trade surplus later this year ahead of the Feb. 19 December data release. Invesco QQQ Trust ETF surged 0.75% on prospects of improved export balances for tech firms.
1. President's Tariff Claim
President Donald Trump asserted that reciprocal tariffs targeting over 100 countries since April 2025 have slashed the U.S. trade deficit by 78% and forecasted a first trade surplus later this year ahead of the February 19 release of December trade data.
2. Trade Data Discrepancies
Despite the claim, U.S. government figures show the trade deficit jumped 95% to $56.8 billion in November 2025 and remained 4.1% higher for the first 11 months of 2025, with nearly 90% of tariff costs absorbed by domestic businesses and consumers.
3. QQQ ETF Market Reaction
Invesco QQQ Trust ETF rose 0.75% to $605.79 as investors bet on potential deficit shrinkage improving export conditions for major tech firms, even as the Nasdaq Composite index lags year-to-date performance.
4. Implications for Tech Exporters
The forthcoming December trade data on February 19 will be closely watched for confirmation of the deficit reduction, with positive readings potentially bolstering profit margins and international demand for Nasdaq 100 constituents.