Monthly U.S. exports to Europe grew in December, a hopeful sign after a steep decline the previous month. But some economists remain concerned that the region’s debt crisis will still drag down the U.S. economy this year.
The Commerce Department said Friday that the overall trade deficit widened to $48.8 billion in December because imports grew at a faster pace than exports. It was the largest imbalance since June.
Imports rose 1.3 percent, largely because the U.S. bought more foreign autos, auto parts and industrial machinery.
Exports increased 0.7 percent.
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