by Daniel Costello

The U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in November, as surging oil prices helped imports to outgain exports.

The U.S. deficit in international trade of goods and services expanded 9.7 percent to $36.40 billion from $33.19 billion the month before, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The October trade gap was originally reported as $32.94 billion.

Overall, U.S. exports in grew 0.9 percent to $138.24 billion, the highest level in a year, from $137.01 billion in October. Imports increased more sharply, meanwhile, rising 2.6 percent to $174.64 billion from $170.20 billion.