US trade deficit jumps to 12-year high in July
The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade deficit jumped 18.9 percent to $63.6 billion, the highest since July 2008
The US trade deficit surged to its highest level since 2008 in July amid a record increase in imports, suggesting that trade could be a drag on economic growth in the third quarter.
The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade deficit jumped 18.9 percent to $63.6 billion, the highest since July 2008.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade gap widening to $58 billion in July.
Imports soared by a historic 10.9 percent to $231.7 billion. Goods imports vaulted 12.3 percent to $196.4 billion. Exports increased 8.1 percent to $168.1 billion. Goods exports rose 11.9 percent to $115.5 billion.
A smaller trade bill contributed to gross domestic product over the last three quarters. The coronarivus crisis severely disrupted trade flows, which are now picking up.
