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"Trade is unlikely to contribute strongly to UK economic growth in 2012, which looks set to be a challenging year"
- Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit
U.K. trade deficit widened more than expected to £8.6 billion in November from £7.9 billion in October, said the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday. Economists had forecast the deficit of no more than £8.3 billion.
Exports of goods decreased 1.5 percent to £25.7 billion, while imports advanced 1.1 percent to £34.4 billion, boosted by purchases of crude oil and chemicals.
"Trade is unlikely to contribute strongly to UK economic growth in 2012, which looks set to be a challenging year," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at financial information services firm Markit.
"Signs of improved demand from countries such as the US and China are likely to be countered by weak demand in the eurozone."