Between January and March, the deficit reached $164 billion, four billion more than the same period a year earlier. This data was published by the Treasury Department on Friday.
The US public deficit remained almost stable in the first three months of 2026, with an increase in revenue from income tax and tariffs almost offsetting an acceleration in expenses. On the whole, the deficit in the first quarter of 2026 was $164 billion, four billion more than the same period last year.
These months represent the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year in the United States. In the first six months of the fiscal year, the deficit has decreased by 11%, totaling $139 billion, thanks to the increase in revenue that occurred between October and December due to tariffs.
However, the Supreme Court nullified a significant portion of these tariffs at the beginning of the year. This could lead the Treasury to reimburse companies for these collected additional taxes. Several legal procedures have been initiated by companies in this regard, which could eventually impact the federal budget.
In terms of revenue, there was a 7% increase in income tax revenue, totaling an additional $26 billion, and a 175% increase in tariffs, adding $15 billion to the state’s coffers.
At the same time, expenses, particularly for the agricultural sector due to a support program for farmers affected by trade tensions between the US and China, increased by 90%, adding $16 billion. Healthcare expenses, focusing on programs for the poor and Medicare and Medicaid recipients, rose by 10%, or $10 billion. The next quarter will provide a clearer picture of the government’s financial situation, as April typically marks the month with the highest revenue due to income tax payments.
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