This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20983692

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US trade deficit widens as imports increase US trade deficit widens as imports increase
(35 minutes later)
The US trade deficit unexpectedly widened in November, driven by an increase in the import of consumer goods. The US trade deficit widened unexpectedly in November, after a rise in the import of consumer goods.
Official figures from the Commerce Department showed that the gap widened by 16% to $48.7bn (£30.1bn). The markets were expecting the deficit to shrink. Figures from the Commerce Department showed that the gap widened by 16% to $48.7bn (£30.1bn). The markets were expecting the deficit to shrink.
The deficit was the widest recorded since April of last year. The deficit was the widest recorded since April last year.
Imports increased by 3.8%, the largest rise in eight months. Imports increased by 3.8%, the largest rise in eight months, to $231.3bn. The value of exports increased by 1% to $182.6bn.
Imports of consumer goods rose by $4.6bn. Analysts say this is a sign that the US retail sector is growing stronger, with rising consumer spending.