The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Wednesday the U.S. the goods trade deficit widened to $68.33 billion in December from $62.99 billion in the previous month.

Economists had expected a deficit of $68.75 billion.

According to the report, exports of goods from the U.S. rose 0.3 percent m-o-m, boosted by higher sales of industrial supplies (+2.8 percent m-o-m) and capital goods (+0.4 percent m-o-m). Meanwhile, imports climbed 2.9 percent m-o-m due to increased purchases of industrial supplies (+9.5 percent m-o-m), consumer goods (+1.2 percent m-o-m), capital goods (+0.6 percent m-o-m) and foods, feeds, and beverages (+0.4 percent m-o-m). Imports of vehicles, however, fell 1.0 percent m-o-m.