February trade deficit rises 7.7% to $42.3 billion

February trade deficit rises 7.7% to $42.3 billion

 The U.S. trade deficit climbed 7.7% to $42.3 billion in February to mark a five-month high, mainly because the nation exported less petroleum, commercial jets and industrial supplies, according to government data released Thursday. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected the deficit to rise to $39.7 billion from a slightly revised $39.3 billion in January. U.S. exports fell 1.1% to $190.4 billion while imports edged up 0.4% to $232.7 billion. The trade gap with China dropped to an unadjusted $20.9 billion from $27.8 billion in January, the lowest level in nearly one year. The deficit with Mexico increased to $4 billion from $2.8 billion