The US trade deficit grew more than expected in January as exports fell more sharply than imports amid a slowing global economy, Commerce Department data released Friday showed. 

The trade gap rose 2.2 percent to $45.7 billion in January, well above the analyst estimate of $44.0 billion. Reflecting the sluggishness in the global economy, falling oil prices and a strong dollar, exports and imports fell to their weakest levels since early 2011.