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The dollar's falling back to Earth as other countries raise their own interest rates

Aug 22, 2023
A year ago, U.S. exporters were complaining that the dollar was too strong. Not anymore.
A weaker U.S. dollar could help companies that export, while importers might have to pay more for the products they bring in.
Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. imports rise in April, but share of goods from China decreases

Jun 8, 2023
The share of goods the U.S. imports from China has declined to its lowest level since 2006, as manufacturers and retailers seek to diversify their supply chains.
China continues to be a big player in the EV space with its patents and lithium supply. Above, a lithium battery manufacturing company in China's Anhui province.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. consumer goods and vehicle exports hit a record in January

Mar 9, 2023
Some of the increase reflects growing economies in other countries. And it's welcome news for U.S. factories, one economist says.
Any increase in exports is welcome news for U.S. factories, said Chad Moutray with the National Association of Manufacturers.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A strong dollar is hurting exports, helping imports and expanding the trade deficit

Feb 7, 2023
The dollar's strong because the Federal Reserve's been raising interest rates.
American exports have been hurt by the slowing global economy and the strong dollar. Above, a container ship at Cuxhaven, Germany.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

New trade data shows weakening demand

Jan 5, 2023
Imports fell more than exports.
"One of the things I think is a commonality across both imports and exports is a weakening of new orders,” said Eric Freedman at U.S. Bank. 
Gregor Fischer/Getty Images

A weakening dollar is good news for exporters, bad news for importers

Dec 5, 2022
The greenback's strength has made it tough for U.S. businesses to compete overseas.
While some American exporters are already benefiting from the weakening dollar, it's making imports pricier. Above, the Port of Los Angeles on Nov. 16.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

US may expand restrictions on Chinese access to American tech exports

Oct 21, 2022
The concern is the potential use of advanced technologies for military purposes.
Russell Funk, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota and a co-author of the paper, explains why science may be slowing.
Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

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As economies worldwide struggle with inflation, Japan faces another problem: a weak yen

Sep 22, 2022
As many central banks raise interest rates, the Bank of Japan is keeping them low to prop up the economy. That leads to a depreciated currency.
The Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo. The BoJ has kept interest rates low to prop up the economy, but the side effects include a depreciating currency.
Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. trade deficit shrinks as exports rise

Aug 4, 2022
The deficit shrank 6% in June on record exports. Sending liquefied natural gas to Europe played a part in that.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

These small businesses still feel supply chain pressures, even if data says they're easing

Jul 19, 2022
Shipping costs, wait times and sourcing materials are still a big problem for business owners in South Carolina and Calif.
Some businesses have had to adjust shipping strategies — like opting to ship by rail — to circumvent delays at ports.
Mario Tama/Getty Images