US trade deficit recorded a significant rise in December, reaching its highest level since 2012, with the rise of the dollar, which impact positively on imports and a negative impact on exports, which could lead to a modification of economic growth in the fourth quarter estimates downward.

The US Commerce Department said on Thursday that the trade deficit jumped 17.1 percent to $ 46.6 billion, its highest level since November 2012. This is the largest percentage increase since July, 2009.

Was Economists polled by Reuters had expected the descent of the trade deficit to $ 38 billion.

According to figures adjusted to take into account the impact of inflation, the deficit increased to $ 54.7 billion from 48.7 billion in November.

And predict the sudden rise of trade deficit in December to amend the GDP estimates for the fourth quarter of last year downward.

In the past week, the government said GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.6 percent is estimated that trade gutted 1.02 percentage points from growth.

In a sign of the strength of domestic demand supported by the consumers of imports increased 2.2 percent to 241.4 billion dollars in December. Non-oil imports rose to a record level, including also reflects the strength of the US dollar.

However, in light of the high dollar exports fell 0.8 percent to 194.9 billion dollars in December registered the lowest level in eight months.