New Delhi, July 8 -- American companies are investing aggressively in artificial intelligence, pouring billions of dollars into servers, semiconductors and advanced computing equipment. At the same time, that spending spree is widening the nation's trade deficit at a pace few economists anticipated, creating a fresh headwind for economic growth just as policymakers were hoping momentum would strengthen.

imports climbed sharply while exports retreated, illustrating how the country's appetite for technology equipment continues to outpace demand for American goods abroad, according to Reuters.

Rather than reflecting a weakening domestic economy, the numbers point to one of its strongest engines.

Businesses are racing to expand data center...