Britain's total trade deficit widened in April from March as exports declined and imports grew, data from the Office for National Statistics showed.
The deficit ballooned £2.06 billion to £5.28 billion in April from about £3.22 billion in March. Exports were down £1.65 billion to £49.99 billion in April from the prior month, while imports increased £408 million to £55.27 billion.
The trade deficit in goods widened to £14.04 billion from £12.00 billion previously. The trade surplus in services fell to £8.76 billion from £8.78 billion.
In the three months to April, the total trade deficit widened £1.9 billion to £9.7 billion as exports of goods and services weakened.
In the 12 months to April, the trade deficit narrowed £6.7 billion to £30.8 billion.
