Monster trade deficit, Feb $61B, from Jan $54B [View All]

[Robert Oak]

The nation's trade deficit climbed unexpectedly to a record $61 billion in February, the Commerce Department reported today, pushed up in part by higher oil prices and growing imports of textiles and clothing.

American exports showed little growth and failed to offset the surge in imports, as the trade deficit rose 4.3 percent, from $58.5 billion in January, the department said. Wall Street economists had been expecting the deficit to rise to $59 billion, according to Bloomberg News.

American exports were almost unchanged at $100.5 billion

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/12/business/12cnd-trade.html?hp&ex=1113364800&en=0df790b13a9cfad2&ei=5094&partner=homepage