US trade deficit narrowed to $43.6 billion in June

In this Oct. 24, 2016, photo, a crane hangs over a container ship at the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore. On Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, the Commerce Department reports on the U.S. trade gap for June. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) In this Oct. 24, 2016, photo, a crane hangs over a container ship at the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore. On Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, the Commerce Department reports on the U.S. trade gap for June. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

By Associated Press August 4, 2017 2 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June as exports hit the highest level in 2 ½ years.

The Commerce Department said Friday that the trade gap slid 5.9 percent in June to $43.6 billion.

Exports of goods and services rose 1.2 percent to $194.4 billion, the highest amount since December 2014 on higher foreign demand for American soybeans, computer accessories and other products. Services exports reached a record $65.4 billion.

U.S. exports may be getting a lift from a pickup in global economic growth and a drop in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. A weaker dollar makes American products a better bargain in foreign markets.

Overall imports slipped 0.2 percent to $238 billion on a drop in demand for cellphones and other household goods.