U.S. exports continued to climb in November, more evidence that stronger growth abroad could boost the American economy.
U.S. exports rose by 0.9% to a seasonally adjusted $194.86 billion in November from a month earlier, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, the highest level on record. Imports fell by 1.4% to $229.11 billion.
The trade gap narrowed to $34.25 billion from $39.33 billion in the prior month. November's deficit was the smallest since October 2009.
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had forecast a trade deficit of $40.0 billion in November.
The global economy has shown signs of stabilizing in recent months, a potential boost for the U.S. heading into the new year. Weakness in Europe, Japan and some emerging markets had held back U.S. exporters during much of the recovery.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
