WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit grew faster than economists anticipated in August, rising $3.7 billion to a 22-month high of $46.3 billion, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
August’s deficit was the largest since October 2008’s $59.4 billion deficit. Economists expected a trade gap of $44.0 billion.
Meanwhile, the trade deficit with China rose to a record $28.0 billion as imports totaled a most-ever $35.3 billion. The previous record deficit with China was $27.9 billion in October 2008.
August exports of goods and services totaled $153.9 billion, reflecting a $340 million increase from July. Imports totaled $200.2 billion, an increase of $4.1 billion.
