According to the Department of Commerce, in seasonally adjusted terms the country's total trade deficit jumped by 7.9% month-on-month to reach -$78.8bn.

Economists had forecast -$79.0bn of red ink.

Imports of goods and services rose by 2.1% versus June, hitting $345.4bn, while exports were up by 0.5% to $267bn.

Imports of capital goods were especially strong, rising by $3.3bn, led by a $2.4bn increase in those of computer accessories.

Overseas purchases of industrial supplies and materials meanwhile were up $2.8bn, including $1.1bn of nonmonetary gold.

Year-to-date, the total trade deficit had widened by 7.7% or $36.2bn in comparison to a year earlier

By countries, it was the goods deficit with China that widened the most in July, registering a monthly increase of $4.9bn to reach $27.2bn.

-- More to follow --