U.S. rubber product trade deficit worsens

WASHINGTON (June 28)—The U.S. rubber product trade deficit jumped more than 75 percent in February compared to the same period in 2001, as imports rose and exports fell in the major categories. The trade deficit increased 75.3 percent to $235.9 million, up from $134.6 million last year, according to U.S. Commerce Department figures. Exports for the month dropped 13.3 percent to $374.5 million, while imports climbed 7.7 percent to $610.4 million. For the first two months of 2002, the rubber product deficit grew 27.7 percent to $464.1 million from $363.4 million in 2001. Exports year-to-date slipped 9.2 percent to $746.3 million, while imports expanded 2.1 percent to $1.21 billion.