U.S. exports slip 18% through April

U.S. exports slip 18% through April    U.S. exports of goods and services during the first four months of this year were 18 percent lower than in the same period last year, the U.S. Commerce Department said, reflecting reduced demand in overseas markets for U.S. products due to the global recession.
   In the Commerce Department's April 2009 international trade report, U.S. imports decreased 27 percent over the first four months of 2009, compared to the same period last year, due to the recession and lower petroleum import prices this year.
   U.S. exports from March to April 2009 decreased 2.3 percent to $121 billion, while imports slipped 1.4 percent to $150.3 billion. Overall, the trade deficit grew 2.2 percent during the same period.
   'Now more than ever, we should strengthen, not weaken, our economic ties with the world community because international trade can and will help to drive the world's economic recovery,' said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk in a statement.
   This week in Bali, Kirk and other Cairns Group ministers committed to achieve a successful conclusion of the World Trade Organization's Doha Round.
   'I will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with members of Congress as well as our trading partners to create a roadmap that will help lead to the conclusion of the global trade deal,' Kirk said.