Today’s release of September trade data shows continued strong growth of U.S. exports.  Exports have increased by nearly 12% so far this year.  The trade deficit has decreased by more than 9%. Continued strong export growth is providing considerable support to the U.S. economy right now.  Recent data for the third quarter of this year shows that nearly half of the 3.9% growth rate of the economy was attributable to export expansion.   For Americans, removal of global trade barriers and increased trade improve productivity, generate income growth, and expand higher paying jobs in the United States.  Ninety-five percent of world consumers are outside our borders. Global, regional and bilateral agreements that pry open world markets help expand our trade, support and strengthen our economic growth and benefit U.S. consumers, workers, companies, farmers and ranchers.

No mention of the plummeting dollar. I wonder why that is? Oh yeah, the Bush Administration maintains a “strong dollar policy.” What that could possibly mean in the face of what is occurring on international markets right now is anyone’s guess.

You think this will mean a lessening of China bashing? No, I don’t think so either, not with the continuing psychedelic Christmas toy scandal simmering in the news.