Trade statistics released December 5 by the Department of Commerce show that the U.S. trade deficit was virtually unchanged in October, slipping 0.5 percent to $43.4 billion. Exports rose 1.2 percent to $197.5 billion while imports gained 0.9 percent to $241.0 billion. Year-to-date, the deficit was up 5.1 percent from the same period in 2013 as exports increased 3.1 percent and imports expanded 3.4 percent. To read the entire Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, click here.