U.S. Exports Shine

The numbers are in, confirming what we in the trade community long suspected. U.S. exports are still strong, and it seems to signal a significant trend. According to the Department of Commerce, real exports of goods and services increased by 6.5. percent in the fourth quarter followed by an increase of 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2008. This six-month surge kept our otherwise troubled economy from sinking further and gives trade analysts reason to hope for a rebound sooner than later. Indeed, the overall economy grew by 1 percent in the first quarter, and analysts suggest that demand for our cargo was an important element in that equation. Trade policy makers had better take notice, especially when it comes to renewing existing treaties and agreements.