U.S. trade deficit sinks 21% to $38.5 billion Su
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Surging exports of oil and airplanes lowers gap to two-year low
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The monthly U.S. trade deficit fell almost 21% in December to the lowest level in two years, pulled down by a surge in petroleum exports and commercial jetliners.
The trade gap plunged to a seasonally adjusted $38.5 billion from $48.6 billion in November, the Commerce Department said Friday. It’s the smallest trade gap since January 2010.
U.S. exports climbed 2.1% in December to $186.4 billion, further evidence that overseas economies are recovering from a global slowdown in much of 2012. Demand for U.S. goods picks up when other nations are growing.
U.S. exports of large aircraft and nonmonetary gold were particularly strong, according to government figures.
Yet imports declined 2.7% to $224.9 billion — the biggest drop in three years. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-trade-def...atest_news