Exports have been one of the few bright spots in the U.S. recovery, but they're slowing down.

The U.S. believes China is dumping solar panels at below-market prices in America and has hit back with a penalty of 31 percent. That tariff is surprisingly steep and many in China are not reacting well. Could they backfire?

Some senators want to beef up funding to help exporters promote their wares overseas, but airlines say that only helps foreign competitors buy aircraft more cheaply than domestic airlines.

Chinese exports took a hit in the last year because of the European debt crisis, while the export market suffered as Chinese consumers bought less.