US trade deficit widens in February and US trade deficit increases by nearly 50 per cent compared to last year

The US trade gap grew wider than expected in February, as greater domestic demand lifted imports of computers and other consumer products, official official figures showed on Tuesday. The trade deficit grew by 7.4 per cent to $39.7bn after falling in January, according to the commerce department. Wall Street analysts had predicted that the gap would grow to just $38.5bn. The US trade deficit has widened by nearly 50 per cent compared with a year ago, while trade volumes have picked up considerably as global demand has returned.

For more: FT.com / US / Economy & Fed - US trade gap widens in February