U.S. trade deficit narrows in June for 3rd straight monthAugust 10, 2012 - 13:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June for the third straight month, with a slight rise in exports adding to a drop in imports to cut the shortfall, the Department of Commerce said Thursday, August 9. Analysts called the data on balance positive, but the politically sensitive trade shortfall with China continued to grow, despite efforts by US leaders to bring it under control. The country's trade gap for the month was $42.9 billion, the smallest deficit since December 2010, when total trade was 10 percent less. Exports continued their steady climb, rising to $185.0 billion. The three month moving average for exports, at $183.7 billion, was 5.1 percent above the average of a year earlier of $174.7 billion. Imports were $227.9 billion; the three month average of $230.9 billion was up 4.1 percent from a year earlier. The rise in exports came on the back of strengthening shipments of capital goods and industrial supplies. The fall in imports was related to a sharp downturn in industrial supply purchases from abroad, AFP reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |