WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit edged up in April as crude-oil prices hit their highest level since December. But the imbalance so far in 2009 remained well below last year’s pace, and economists expect that to continue as the global recession dampens demand for automobiles, heavy machinery and other goods.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the deficit rose for a second straight month in April, climbing 2.2 percent to $29.2 billion. That was slightly higher than expectations.
The overall deficit is running at an annual rate of $361.1 billion, about half of the $695.9 billion total for all of 2008.
The drop in imports has been greater than the fall in exports, which also are down significantly as the global recession cuts demand for U.S. products in key markets.
