US Trade Deficit Widens Slightly To $38.8 billion

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Commerce Department says the trade deficit grew 0.4 percent in August to $38.8 billion. That's up from $38.6 billion in July.

U.S. exports dipped 0.1 percent to $189.2 billion. Sales of wheat, soybeans and other farm products fell, while exports of autos and other manufactured goods rose.

Imports were mostly unchanged at $228 billion. Americans bought more foreign computers and machinery, while imports of oil and foreign-made cars declined.

This year's trade deficit is running below last year's, a positive sign for economic growth.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.