The U.S. trade deficit widened in August for the first time in three months as exports increased but imports increased more. The politically sensitive gap with China in the trade of goods narrowed.
The Commerce Department says the gap between what the United buys and what it sells abroad rose 1.6% to $54.9 billion from $54 billion in July. The deficit had fallen in June and July. But it is still up for the year despite President Donald Trump’s attempts to push it down by imposing taxes on imports and waging a trade war with China.
Exports blipped up 0.2% in August to $207.9 billion. Imports increased 0.5% to $262.8 billion.
FILE - In this Sept. 11, 2019, file photo people walk past an American flag at the start of a work day, at the Oculus, part of the World Trade Center transportation hub in New York. On Friday, Oct. 4, the Commerce Department reports on the U.S. trade gap for August. (AP PhotoWong Maye-E, File)
From January through August, the deficit rose 7% to $428.7 billion from $400.4 billion a year earlier.