Question

In recent decades, has the U.S. trade balance usually been in deficit, surplus, or balanced?

Short answer

Deficit.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction

Trade deficit is a situation when imports exceed exports.

Trade surplus is a situation when exports exceed imports.

Balanced trade is a situation when exports and imports are equal.

Step2. Explanation

US for past many decades has been facing trade deficit situation. It is primarily because of high imports of oil and other consumable products.