Washington ? The U.S. trade deficit swelled to a record $35.9 billion in April as Americans’ appetite for foreign-made cars and consumer goods, such as television sets and clothes, hit monthly all-time highs.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that the deficit was 10.7 percent higher than the $32.5 billion trade gap reported for March.

The sizable increase left the trade imbalance in April bigger than the $33 billion deficit many analysts were forecasting.

Imports of goods and services rose 4.7 percent in April to $116 billion as cheaper-priced imports and the U.S. economic recovery helped to boost consumer demand.

Exports rose about half as fast, increasing by 2.2 percent to $80.1 billion. Countries around the globe are regaining strength after a worldwide slump less quickly than the United States, thus restraining their demand for exports.

In April, imported cars, parts and engines climbed to a record $16.8 billion, a 5 percent increase over March’s level. Imported consumer goods, including television sets, VCRs, toys and clothes, also reached a record of $24.9 billion in April, as did imports of foods, feeds and beverages, which rose to $4.1 billion.

A sharp rise in America’s foreign oil bill, also contributed the trade gap in April.

On the export side, sales of U.S.-made automobiles, parts and engines to other countries rose to $6.7 billion in April, the highest level since August 2000.