US trade deficit slightly widens in August

U.S. trade deficit widened slightly in August to USD 38.8 billion compared to USD 38.6 billion in July, official figures showed here Thursday. The Department of Commerce said in a report that total August exports of USD 189.2 billion and imports of USD 228.0 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of USD 38.8 billion, up from USD 38.6 billion in July. It added that August exports were USD 0.1 billion less than July exports of USD 189.3 billion, whereas August imports were virtually unchanged at USD 228. 0 billion. In August, the goods deficit increased USD 0.1 billion from July to USD 58. 2 billion and the services surplus was virtually unchanged at USD 19.4 billion. Exports of goods decreased USD 0.3 billion to USD 132.4 billion, and imports of goods decreased USD 0.1 billion to USD 190.7 billion. Exports of services increased USD 0.1 billion to USD 56.8 billion, and imports of services increased USD 0.2 billion to USD 37.4 billion. The goods and services deficit decreased USD 5.2 billion from August 2012 to August 2013. Exports were up USD 7.2 billion, or 3.9 percent, and imports were up USD 1.9 billion, or 0.9 percent