WASHINGTON — The US trade deficit narrowed to $46 billion in February from $52.5 billion in January for a 12.4 percent drop, the largest percent decline since May 2009, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.

Economists expected the trade gap to decrease slightly following a holiday-related increase in imports from China earlier this year. The trade deficit with China narrowed 26 percent in February, hitting $19.4 billion, compared with $26 billion in January.

Overall, exports rose 0.1 percent in February to $181.2 billion, while imports fell 2.7 percent to $227.2 billion.

Exports and imports are an important component of US gross domestic product. Deficits subtract from economic growth.

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