In January, the USA recorded its largest trade deficit since March 2012, as an increase in imports exceeded a smaller gain in exports.
The trade gap in goods and services increased by 9.6% to $48.5 billion, according to Commerce Department figures published on 7 March.
The deterioration from December reflected a 2.3% increase in imports, the highest since March 2015, and a 0.6% increase in exports. The data also showed that the trade gap with China, the world’s second-biggest economy, widened to $31.3 billion in January (from $27.8 billion).
However, the trade deficit with Mexico narrowed to $3.9 billion, which was the smallest figure since July 2015.
A government spokesman said: “Rising imports of consumer goods, capital equipment and motor vehicles reflect steady demand from American households and companies, with help from a stronger dollar.”
At an economists’ conference in Washington, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said: “President Trump wants to negotiate better terms with trading partners to trim the gap and boost economic growth.
“The USA is seeking more reciprocal trade with other countries and trying to keep American production capacity out of foreign hands.”