Saturday, July 12, 2008

Trade gap narrows in May

The U.S. trade deficit contracted by 1.2% in May as the value of goods and services exported increased faster than those that were brought in, according to a report from the Department of Commerce.

The gap between imports and exports fell to $59.8 billion in May from a revised reading of $60.5 billion in April, which was smaller than the $60.9 billion that was previously estimated.

Exports increased 0.9% to $157.5 billion in May, while imports rose 0.3%.

The value of imported petroleum increased 6.5% to $31.2 billion as the average price for a barrel of crude increased by a record $9.47 to $106.28.

  • March Trade Deficit Drop Bigger Than Expected
  • Home Resales Fall, Inventories Surge
  • Fixed-annuity sales up 35%
  • Manufacturing sector shows some life
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