The Commerce Department reported Thursday that imports surged 2.1% to $283.4 billion, mainly in supplies and industrial materials, iron and steel, as well as organic chemicals.

In June, exports edged up a modest 0.6% to $207.7 billion, the highest figure since December 2019.

The politically sensitive goods deficit with China rose to $27 billion in June, while gaps with the European Union, India and Japan rose up to $1 billion.

pgh/Pll/mem / tdd