According to the latest figure released by the government, the total trade deficit in the US grew 4.1 per cent in the month of august to $44.2 billion as exports from the country fell for the third straight month.

The Commerce Department said on Thursday that the trade deficit both exports as well as imports fell during the month. However, exports from the US to other countries fell at a much faster rate during the month. Experts believe that the exports and imports have been affected by a slowdown in global and domestic demand.

The total exports from the US fell 1 per cent to $181.3 billion in August mainly due to a sharp fall in the export of industrial supplies during the month. Meanwhile, industrial engines and drilling equipment exports were the only segments to record growth in exports from the country.

Total imports into the US fell 0.1 per cent to $225.5 billion during the month, according to data released by the Commerce Department. A fall in imports of capital goods, autos, and consumer goods was largely compensated by higher import of petroleum products in the US. The petroleum deficit widened 11.7% in August to $23.5 billion.