MR_GRUMPY
08-13-2004, 12:14 PM
U.S. trade deficit widens, hitting a record
Biggest exports drop in three years, record imports reported
Updated: 11:44 a.m. ET Aug. 13, 2004WASHINGTON - The U.S. trade deficit widened much more than expected in June, hitting a record $55.8 billion as the biggest drop in exports in nearly three years combined with record imports, the government said on Friday.
Wall Street economists had expected the deficit to widen, but looked for a gap of just $47 billion. In its report, the Commerce Department also revised May’s trade shortfall to $46.9 billion from the previously reported $46.0 billion.
The department said exports fell 4.3 percent to $92.8 billion in June, the biggest decline since September 2001 and the weakest performance since February.
At the same time, imports climbed 3.3 percent to an all-time high of $148.6 billion, partly reflecting a run-up in oil prices.
Crude oil prices hit $33.76 a barrel, according to the department’s measure, the highest price since March 1982. The quantity of crude imported also rose to a record level.
In another four years we can apply for aid from India.
Biggest exports drop in three years, record imports reported
Updated: 11:44 a.m. ET Aug. 13, 2004WASHINGTON - The U.S. trade deficit widened much more than expected in June, hitting a record $55.8 billion as the biggest drop in exports in nearly three years combined with record imports, the government said on Friday.
Wall Street economists had expected the deficit to widen, but looked for a gap of just $47 billion. In its report, the Commerce Department also revised May’s trade shortfall to $46.9 billion from the previously reported $46.0 billion.
The department said exports fell 4.3 percent to $92.8 billion in June, the biggest decline since September 2001 and the weakest performance since February.
At the same time, imports climbed 3.3 percent to an all-time high of $148.6 billion, partly reflecting a run-up in oil prices.
Crude oil prices hit $33.76 a barrel, according to the department’s measure, the highest price since March 1982. The quantity of crude imported also rose to a record level.
In another four years we can apply for aid from India.