U.S. exports up 2.4% in May

U.S. exports up 2.4% in May    The U.S. Commerce Department reported Tuesday that the country's exports in May increased by 2.4 percent to $152.3 billion from the previous month's level, while imports for May increased 2.9 percent over April to $194.5 billion,
   'Today's numbers are another promising sign that the worldwide economic rebound and a renewed focus on increasing exports continues to boost the number of U.S. goods and services sold overseas — up almost 18 percent over the first five months of the year,' said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, in a statement.
   'While the data on imports points to strengthening consumer demand, it is another reminder that more must be done to close the trade gap, including fighting for a level playing field for U.S. businesses in markets overseas and continuing to improve our advocacy efforts on behalf of American businesses that want to sell there. That's precisely what President Obama's National Export Initiative aims to do,' he added.