The U.S. trade gap expanded far more than anticipated in November, according to data released Thursday by the Commerce Department.
The report showed the trade deficit ballooned to $56.8 billion in November, rising sharply from a revised $29.2 billion in October.
Economists had been forecasting a more modest increase, with the deficit expected to widen to about $45.0 billion from the $29.4 billion originally reported for the previous month.
The unexpectedly large deterioration reflected a surge in imports, which climbed 5.0% on the month, alongside a notable drop in exports, which declined 3.6%.