13 May 2009

US trade deficit widens

8:48 am on 13 May 2009

The US trade deficit rose in March for the first time since July, as sales of exports fell amid the global recession.

The Commerce Department said on Tuesday the deficit grew to $US27.7 billion from $US26.1 billion in February.

The value of exports fell 2.4% to $US123.6 billion - the lowest level since August 2006. Imports fell 1% to $US151.2 billion.

The deficit with China increased to $15.6bn in March from $US14.2 billion in February.

Earlier, China reported that its export sales in April were down 22.6% on the same month a year ago.