> They run a trade deficit of billions each year. How can they import goods for billions without being able to take on debt? Their debt is also increasing by bi

> They run a trade deficit of billions each year. How can they import goods for billions without being able to take on debt? Their debt is also increasing by billions per year. > They wouldn't be able to do that if they couldn't get loans. Thanks for explaining what you meant. A couple thoughts: Because they can get some credit doesn't mean they can get enough or whatever they need. Access to US financial markets is highly desireable, especially because the US dollar is the usual currency of international trade; in fact, the US cuts of access to sanction people they don't like (Russia, Iran, etc.). Also, a trade deficit isn't debt, in the sense of a business with more expense than revenue; (inter)national macroeconomics are not the same as a private entity's microeconomics.