The U.S. trade deficit widened during May, pressured by higher oil prices, but the shortfall was lower than expected.

The U.S. deficit in international trade of goods and services increased by 0.8% to US$63.84 billion from a revised US$63.34 billion in April, the U.S. Commerce Department said today. April’s shortfall was previously estimated at US$63.43 billion.

The May trade deficit was smaller than Wall Street predicted. Economists had forecast a deficit of US$65.30 billion. While the increase was smaller than the 2.9% rise that economists had been expecting, it still represented the sixth largest deficit in history.

U.S. imports grew by 1.8% in May to US$182.50 billion from US$179.27 billion. Purchases of industrial materials from overseas grew by US$3.4 billion.

U.S. exports rose by 2.4% to US$118.66 billion in May from US$115.93 billion in April. Sales increased by US$803 million for capital goods, including civilian aircraft. Exports rose by US$524 million for consumer goods, like diamonds. Sales of industrial materials such as precious metals were up US$766 million. Exports of food and beverages increased by US$387 million. Sales of autos and parts fell US$120 million.

The deficit with China rose by 4% to US$17.7 billion from US$17.03 billion in April, reflecting big gains in imports of cell phones, clothing and textiles and writing and art supplies.

Deficits with major trading partners were mixed. The trade gap with the euro zone rose to US$8.26 billion from US$7.10 billion. The monthly shortfall with Mexico increased to US$5.52 billion from US$4.91 billion.

The trade gap with Canada decreased, shrinking to US$5.83 billion from US$6.18 billion. The deficit with Japan fell to US$7.14 billion from US$7.80 billion.