Trade Deficit | featured news

China reported its first quarterly trade deficit in six years Sunday as surging prices for commodities pushed up its import bill.

The U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in February as a small gain in exports to the highest level in 16 months was offset by a bigger jump in imports, reflecting increased demand for consumer goods from televisions to clothing.

The country’s trade deficit was $7.24 billion last month, as imports jumped with a surging domestic economy.

The government says the trade deficit surged to a larger-than-expected $40.18 billion in December, the biggest imbalance in 12 months.

A lower dollar appears to be boosting the U.S. economy only gradually, with higher prices on imported oil helping outweigh the benefit of cheaper American exports....

The U.S. trade deficit rose in March for the first time since last July as the global recession cut sharply into sales of American exports. The politically sensitive deficit with China increased.

Stock rose at open following data showing the U.S. trade deficit rose less than many economists expected. Ford fell 6.4%.