US trade deficit rose to $44.2 billion in August as exports fell to lowest level in 6 months

WASHINGTON – The U.S. trade deficit widened in August as exports fell to the lowest level in six months, a worrisome sign that a slowing global economy is cutting into demand for U.S. goods.

The deficit increased to $44.2 billion in August, the biggest gap since May and a 4.1 per cent increase from July, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Exports dropped 1 per cent to $181.3 billion. Demand for American-made cars and farm goods declined. Imports edged down a slight 0.1 per cent to $225.5 billion as purchases of foreign-made autos, aircraft and heavy machinery fell. The cost of oil imports rose sharply.

A wider trade deficit acts as a drag on growth because it means the U.S. is earning less on overseas sales of American-produced goods while spending more on foreign products.

Economic growth slowed to an annual rate of just 1.3 per cent in the April-June quarter. Most economists don’t expect the economy to grow much more than 2 per cent for the rest of the year.

American manufacturers have been hampered by slumping economies in Europe, China and other key export markets. Many European countries are recession. The region accounts for about one-fifth of U.S. exports.

The International Monetary Fund this week projected global growth of just 3.3 per cent for the year and 3.6 per cent in 2013. The downgrade from its July forecast reflected disappointing growth in the United States, spreading recessions in Europe and a sharp slowdown in China.

There have been some hopeful signs that the U.S. economy is improving.

Manufacturing grew in September for the first time in four months, according to a closely watched survey from the Institute of Supply Management. The growth was driven by a jump in new orders and more hiring.

The unemployment rate declined to 7.8 per cent in September, the lowest level since January 2009. It fell because of a huge increase in the number of people who said they found jobs.

Americans are gaining more confidence in the economy and stepping up major purchases.

Auto sales rose 13 per cent last month from a year earlier to nearly 1.2 million. Home sales have been posting solid gains, which have driven home prices higher. When home prices rise, people tend to feel wealthier and spend more freely