U.S. trade gap widens for second straight month

The trade deficit, the difference between goods exported from America and imported from other countries into the U.S., jumped 9% in July, according to the Commerce Department.

The big picture: President Trump's desire to eliminate the trade deficit is at the center of his trade policy, but the U.S. sold fewer items like civilian aircraft and soybeans to foreign countries, while imports —including purchases of computer accessories and auto parts—hit a record high.