The U.S. Commerce Department released the trade data on Friday. The U.S. trade deficit widened to $45.68 billion in January from a deficit of $44.7 billion in December. December's figure was revised down from a deficit of $43.36 billion.

Analysts had expected a trade deficit of $44.0 billion.

The rise of a deficit was driven by a drop in exports. A stronger U.S. dollar and a weak demand abroad weighed on exports.

Exports fell by 2.1% in January, while imports decreased by 1.3%.