The United States' trade deficit has widened by 9% because of record imports from China.
Official figures show the gap between imported and exported goods grew by 9% to $US46.4 billion in August.
Imports from China grew 6% to a record $US35.3 billion, while the US trade deficit with China also set a new record of $US28 billion.
The US has been pressing China to let the value of the yuan rise against other currencies, arguing it gives China an unfair competitive advantage.