Original source URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4805982.stm US trade deficit soars to record The US current account deficit, the nation's broadest measure of trade, reached a record high in 2005. According to the Commerce Department, the shortfall, which includes trade figures as well as money flows, surged 20% to $804.9bn ((Pounds) 463bn) last year. The deficit was 6.4% of the total value of the US economy, the world's largest. Analysts say that the imbalance in the current account may prompt problems, as investors try to limit their exposure to the US and a drop in asset values. Chinese deficit While the US is posting steady and healthy economic growth, there is a worry that problems are being stored up. If our economic relationship is to stay afloat, China needs to lighten the load by carrying out reforms Carlos Gutierrez Analysts have pointed to a bubble in the housing market, reluctance among consumers to spend, the threat of a weaker dollar and an inability to compete with lower-cost Asian manufacturers. "The current account deficit has grown to a point where it arguably cannot be corrected by US action alone," said Michael Woolfolk, senior currency strategist at the Bank of New York. Many US politicians blame the growing trade deficit with China for broader economic problems, arguing that China has deliberately suppressed the value of its currency to sell goods abroad cheaply. Political unease Speaking on Tuesday, US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said that if China did not take action on currency reform it would encourage those in the US seeking to put up "protectionist barriers". Support for legislation which would slap tariffs of more than 25% on certain Chinese goods if Beijing does not further revalue the yuan is thought to be gaining support among sections of Congress. Pressure is growing for China to act ahead of a visit by Chinese president Hu Jintao to the US next month. "If our economic relationship is to stay afloat, China needs to lighten the load by carrying out reforms and delivering results," Mr Gutierrez said. Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2006/03/14 21:26:40 GMT (C) BBC MMVI -- -------------------------------------------------------- Escaping the Matrix website http://escapingthematrix.org/ cyberjournal website http://cyberjournal.org blog: cyberjournal forum http://cyberjournal-rkm.blogspot.com/ blog: Achieving real democracy http://harmonization.blogspot.com/ blog: for readers of ETM http://matrixreaders.blogspot.com/ blog: Community Empowerment http://empowermentinitiatives.blogspot.com/ Blogger made easy http://quaylargo.com/help/ezblogger.html subscribe cyberjournal list mailto:•••@••.••• Posting archives http://cyberjournal.org/show_archives/?lists=newslog
