WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit widened in July from a four-year low in June. American consumers bought more foreign cars and other imported goods, while U.S. companies exported fewer long-lasting manufactured goods.
The rise in imports points to resilient consumer spending, which drives 70 percent of economic activity.
The Commerce Department said the trade gap rose 13 percent to $39.1 billion. That’s up from June’s deficit of $34.5 billion, the smallest since late 2009.