August 06, 2013 - 5:40 AM
WASHINGTON - The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in June to its lowest level in more than 3 1/2 years. Exports rose to all-time high and imports declined, signs that economic growth is stronger than previously thought.
The Commerce Department says the June deficit fell 22.4 per cent to $34.2 billion. That's the lowest since October 2009 and down from May's imbalance of $44.1 billion, which was revised down.
Exports rose 2.2 per cent to $191.2 billion, reflecting more sales of manufactured goods and farm products. Imports dropped 2.5 per cent to $225.4 billion. Oil imports declined to the lowest level in more than two years.
The smaller deficit could prompt the government to revise economic growth for the April-June quarter up from its initial estimated annual rate of 1.7 per cent
News from © The Associated Press, 2013