U.S. Trade Deficit Widens in July

The U.S. trade deficit increased 13.3% in July from an almost four-year low, the Commerce Department reported.

The gap between imports and exports increased to $39.1 billion from $34.5 billion in June that was the lowest level since October 2009.

The trade deficit was well above economists’ forecast of $38.6 billion, Bloomberg News reported.

Exports decreased 0.6% to $189.4 billion, after jumping 2.2% in June to $190.5 billion, a record for U.S. goods and services. Imports increased 1.6% to $228.6 billion.