U.S. Trade Balance

U.S. trade deficit widened slightly in April, as exports declined and imports of crude oil continued to rise. U.S. trade deficit rose to 29.16 billion from the revised $ 28.53 billion dollars in March, said the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. On the March trade deficit was originally reported that the deficit in March amounted to 27.58 billion dollars. The trade deficit reduced the past few months, as slowing U.S. economy, dried up demand for foreign goods, although this rise in oil prices led to an increase in the deficit two months in succession. Trade also remains one of the few patient supports the American economy, adding 2.18% to gross domestic product in the first quarter, despite a decrease of 5.7% of the economy as a whole. American exports in April fell 2.3% to 121.11 billion dollars, the lowest level since July 2006, with 123.93 billion dollars in the previous month. Imports fell to the lowest level since September 2004, -1.4% to 150.28 billion dollars to 152.46 billion dollars.