What is the reason for the decrease of trade deficit this year? [originaltext]

With the slow economy, the US trade deficit, the difference between exports and imports is half of what it was last year. In recent months, as the economy has improved, consumers and manufacturers have spent more on goods and materials from overseas. The Commerce Department reports the trade deficit in November jumped to 9. 7% for a total of 36. 4 billion dollars. Imports rose by 2. 6%, with the rising price of oil as a factor. US exports also grew in November by 0. 9%, the seventh straight gain. That included more than 7 billion dollars in sales to China, the highest totally yet for products ranging from soybeans to semiconductors. It’s a trend aided by a weaker US dollar and a sign that economies are improving overseas as well.