U.S. exports, trade deficit decline

U.S. exports, trade deficit decline U.S. exports, one of the few bright spots in the economy the past 18 months, are beginning to wane in the face of growing economic troubles overseas and a strengthening dollar.
   Exports in August were $3.4 billion less than in July, the Commerce Department announced Friday. Weak consumer demand in the United States resulted in a $5.5 billion decline in imports too, narrowing the trade deficit to $59.1 billion from $61.3 billion.
   Total August exports were $164.7 billion and imports were $223.9 billion.
   The deficit in goods decreased $3.2 billion to $70.9 billion. Exports of goods decreased $3.2 billion to $117.6 billion and imports of goods decreased $6.4 billion to $188.5 billion.
      Compared to August 2007, the goods and services deficit increased $3.8 billion as exports grew 15.9 percent, or $22.6 billion, and imports went up 13.4 percent, or $26.4 billion.
   U.S. exports are expected to weaken further as Asian and European economies lose steam in the wake of the global financial crisis and a tight supply of dollars drives up the value of the U.S. currency, negating what had been a competitive advantage for U.S. manufacturers. ' Eric Kulisch