US March exports hit record highs, up 4.6pc, imports rise $4.9pc

THE export of products and services in March grew 4.6 per cent to US$172.7 billion in the United States, increasing $7.7 billion from February, making it the highest monthly rate recorded ever in trade value, according to the US Commerce Department.


The increase of exports to Canada, South and Central America for the month reached record levels, according to the department's US International Trade in Goods and Services report. Imports rose 4.9 per cent to $220.8 billion increasing the trade deficit by six per cent month to month with petroleum imports at its highest since 2009 at $39.3 billion.


Job creation in the private sector increased by 2.1 million jobs across industries with up to nine million jobs supported by exports, said US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, reported American Shipper. "Now more than ever, America's ability to create jobs here at home depends on our ability to export goods and services around the world," he said.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)