The U.S. Commerce Department released the trade data on Thursday. The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $35.44 billion in February from a deficit of $42.7 billion in January. That was the lowest level since October 2009.

January's figure was revised down from a deficit of $41.8 billion.

Analysts had expected a trade deficit of $41.5 billion.

The decline of a deficit was driven by a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker global demand.

Imports fell by 4.4% in February, while exports declined by 1.6%.

Exports to Canada and Mexico were up in February, exports to China dropped 8.9%, while exports to the European Union were unchanged.

Imports from China slid 18.1%.