WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit widened in November for the first time in five months. Exports fell for a second straight month while imports rose to an all-time high, driven by rising demand for oil and foreign-made cars.

The Commerce Department said today that the deficit increased 10.4 percent to $47.8 billion, the highest level since June.

Exports, which had hit a record high in September, dropped 0.9 percent in November to $177.8 billion. Fewer shipments of autos and capital goods, such as aircraft and machinery, were the key reason.

Imports rose 1.3 percent to a record $225.6 billion. A key reason for the rise was a spike in global oil prices, which surged above $ 100 a barrel in November.

A decline in exports weakens U.S. growth. And exports could drop even further in the months to come.

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