Final answer:
The narrowing U.S. trade gap between 2009 and 2010 was influenced by a recession, which led to a reduction in imports due to slower domestic buying, while exports remained relatively stable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major contributor to the narrowing of the U.S. trade gap between 2009 and 2010 was due to a significant change in trade dynamics during the recession. During this time, the U.S. economy slowed and purchased fewer of all goods, leading to fewer imports from abroad. Conversely, buying power abroad did not fall by as much, hence U.S. exports did not decline significantly.
A trade deficit often accompanies a rapidly growing domestic economy due to aggressive buying, including the buying of imports, while a trade surplus or a much lower trade deficit is associated with a slowing or recessionary domestic economy.