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US Trade Deficit Surges in June

   VOA News 11 August 2010
   The  U.S.  trade  deficit  grew  as  US exports declined more than one
   percent while imports grew by about three percent.

Photo: VOA

   The  U.S.  trade  deficit  grew  as  US exports declined more than one
   percent while imports grew by about three percent.

   The  U.S.  trade  deficit  grew by nearly one-fifth in June, the worst
   showing since late 2008.
   Wednesday's  report  from the Commerce Department says the gap between
   what  Americans sell abroad and what they buy from foreigners expanded
   to just under $50 billion for the month.
   The  gap  grew  as  U.S.  exports declined more than one percent while
   imports grew by about three percent.
   The  politically  sensitive trade deficit with China grew to more than
   $26 billion.
   Some U.S. manufacturers and members of Congress blame the trade gap on
   China's  currency policies.  They accuse Beijing of keeping the value
   of its currency low to give Chinese-made products a price advantage on
   world markets.
   That political issue may heat up ahead of U.S. congressional elections
   in November, where economic problems are likely to play a key role.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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