The US trade deficit widened more than expected in February as a rebound in exports was offset by an increase in imports, the latest indication that economic growth remained weak in the first quarter. 
The Commerce Department said yesterday the trade gap increased 2.6% to $47.1bn. 
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade deficit rising to $46.2bn in February. When adjusted for inflation, the deficit rose to $63.3bn, the largest since March last year, from $61.8bn in January. 
The report joined data on consumer and business spending in suggesting that economic growth moderated further in the first quarter after slowing to a 1.4% annualised rate in the final three months of 2015. Growth estimates for the first quarter are currently below a 1% pace. 
In February, exports of goods rose 1.6% to $118.6bn, increasing for the first time since September. Overall exports of goods and services advanced 1.0% to $178.1bn. 
Exports have been undercut by a buoyant dollar, which has made US-manufactured goods expensive relative to those of its main trading partners. Slowing growth in Europe and China has also eroded demand for US goods. 
But with the dollar rally fading, February’s nascent increase in exports is likely to be sustained. A survey last week showed a gauge of new export orders received by factories rose in March to its highest level since December 2014. 
The dollar is down 1.3% on a trade-weighted basis so far this year after gaining about 20% against the currencies of the US’ main trading partners between June 2014 and December 2015. 
US financial markets were little moved by the data. 
In February, there were increases in exports of food, automobiles and parts, as well as consumer goods. 
But exports of industrial supplies and materials were the lowest since March 2010. Capital goods exports hit their lowest level since November 2011. Petroleum exports fell to their lowest level since September 2010. 
Exports to the European Union surged 10.2%, while goods shipped to Canada and Mexico rose 6.0% and 0.9% respectively. Exports to China fell 2%. 
Imports of goods and services rose 1.3% to $225.1bn. Imports are being kept in check by ongoing efforts by businesses to reduce an inventory overhang. Lower oil prices and increased domestic energy production are also helping to curb the import bill. 
In February, imports were driven by a surge in food imports, which hit a record high. But imports of industrial supplies and materials were the lowest since May 2009 in February. Petroleum imports touched their lowest level since September 2002. Oil prices averaged $27.48 per barrel in February, the cheapest since December 2003. 
Imports from China fell 2.7%. The drop in imports outpaced the fall in exports, pushing the politically sensitive US-China trade deficit down 2.8% to $28.1bn in February.