Treasury Posts Unexpected Surplus in June as Tariff Receipts Surge

The U.S. government posted a surplus in June as tariff receipts gave an extra bump to a sharp increase in receipts, the Treasury Department said Friday.

With government red ink swelling throughout the year, last month saw a surplus of just over $27 billion, following a $316 billion deficit in May.

That brought the fiscal year-to-date deficit down to $1.34 trillion, a 1% decline from the same period a year ago. In June 2024, the deficit totaled $71 billion. There are three months left in the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

A 13% increase in receipts from the same month a year ago helped bridge the gap, with outlays down 7%. For the year, receipts are up 7% while spending has risen 6%.