U.S. 2012 exports hit record $2.2 trillion

   The Commerce Department on Friday reported that U.S. exports of goods and services reached a record $2.2 trillion in 2012.
   Export records were seen across the board, including among capital goods, automotive vehicles, parts, and engines; consumer goods; and travel and tourism, the department said.
   “The administration’s efforts to promote U.S. exports are paying off,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank said in statement on Friday. “Not only did exports outpace the growth in imports for the first time since 2007, but exports have helped support the creation of over 6 million private sector jobs over the past 35 months.”
   Exports as a share of U.S. GDP were 13.9 percent in 2012, matching the record set in 2011.
   In December 2012, exports of goods and services grew by $3.9 billion to $186.4 billion, which included increases in industrial supplies and materials and travel and tourism. Imports for the month also decreased by $6.2 billion to $224.9 billion. As a result, the trade deficit decreased to $38.5 billion in December, down from $48.6 billion in November.