Trade Gap Narrows in November

Washington, DC, Jan. 13, 2011 -- The U.S. trade deficit declined unexpectedly in November to the lowest level in 10 months, the Commerce Department said.

Faster growth internationally and a weaker dollar increased demand for U.S. products.

The gap shrank 0.3 percent to $38.3 billion, less than the $40.5 billion estimate of economists.

Exports increased 0.8 percent to $159.6 billion, the most since August 2008. Demand for American goods from China reached a record, and purchases from Germany were the strongest in two years.