Economists estimate the trade deficit shrunk slightly to $41.2 billion from $41.8 billion in January.
"Higher oil prices should have boosted imports and we also expect a pause in exports after the plunge in January, although the trend is clearly lower," UBS's Cummins said.
From BNP Paribas: "A labor strike at West coast ports was resolved in late February, but trade flows were likely still disrupted for most of the month."