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Strike shuts down St. Lawrence Seaway, a main commercial artery

Oct 23, 2023
A shutdown will affect farmers exporting products from Canada, mostly to Europe and the Middle East.
The Seaway was built by the U.S. and Canadian governments in the 1950s to connect the upper Midwestern states and prairie provinces to global markets.
Andrej Ivanov/AFP via Getty Images

Israel-Hamas war's human cost is primary, but geopolitical risk to economy persists

Oct 18, 2023
If the conflict widens to include direct confrontation with other nations in the Middle East, the economic shockwaves could be significant.
“The geopolitical pot is just boiling,” said Bernard Baumohl of the Economic Outlook Group. Above, a man walks through debris in Gaza City on Oct. 11.
Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. is no longer world's leading exporter of corn

Aug 31, 2023
Brazil breaks America's near-lock on the top spot for half a century. But corn growers are still doing fine.
Despite losing market share to Brazil, U.S. growers are still selling more corn in absolute terms.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Tradle brings Wordle-style game to global exports

Aug 24, 2023
Can you figure out what country exports, say, both crude oil and leather footwear? Gilberto García-Vazquez of Datawheel explains the game.
A screenshot of Thursday's Tradle. Which country is it?
Tradle/Observatory of Economic Complexity

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

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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