February's trade deficit shrinks

WASHINGTON, April 12 (UPI) -- February's U.S. balance-of-trade deficit declined sharply to $65.7 billion from January's $68.6 billion.

The U.S. Commerce Department also said Wednesday that total February exports reached $113.0 billion while imports hit $178.7 billion. Economists had expected the trade deficit to increase, rather than decline by the relatively large 4.1 percent that it did.

February exports were $1.3 billion less than January exports of $114.3 billion. Imports in February were $4.2 billion less than January imports of $182.9 billion.