U.S. CENSUS REPORTS 13% HIGHER U.S. IMPORTS FOR JAN.-FEB. PERIOD

U.S. CENSUS REPORTS 13% HIGHER U.S. IMPORTS FOR JAN.-FEB. PERIOD    Cumulative imports of goods for January and February totaled $191.5 billion, up 13 percent on their levels of the first two months of 2002, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
   On a not seasonally adjusted basis, Census reported continued double-digit growth in the value of imports of goods for the first two months of this year, as well as a rebound in exports of goods.
   For U.S. imports, goods from Pacific Rim countries for January-February totaled $62.3 billion, up 10 percent in value from the same time last year. Goods from western Europe totaled $39.4 billion, up 12 percent. Goods from South and Central America amounted to $10.8 billion, up 15 percent.
   Total U.S. exports of goods on a not seasonally adjusted basis totaled $110.7 billion in the first two months of this year, up 5 percent over last year.
   Exports of goods to Pacific Rim countries were up 9 percent, to $28.2 billion. Exports to western Europe increased by 2 percent, to $25.9 billion. Goods exported to South and Central American countries totaled $8 billion, up 1 percent over the same two-month period of last year.