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Imports

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

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

by Mitchell Hartman
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
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Are the latest GDP numbers good news? It depends on how you look at them.

by Mitchell Hartman and Justin Ho
Jan 26, 2023
The economy grew, but not as much as expected. Some parts of the economy are slowing, but not as much as expected.
An increase in business inventories helped boost economic activity last quarter. But whether that's positive or negative depends on whom you ask.
George Frey/Getty Images
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New trade data shows weakening demand

by Mitchell Hartman
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
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Congested supply chains may finally be easing as inventories fall

by Justin Ho
Dec 6, 2022
Retailers have managed to offload excess inventory, and global shipping is returning to pre-pandemic normal.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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A weakening dollar is good news for exporters, bad news for importers

by Justin Ho
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
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For importers, taking advantage of the strong dollar hasn’t been easy

by Justin Ho
Oct 4, 2022
Foreign vendors often prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars instead of their local currencies. Others are adding energy surcharges.
A lot of businesses have been hoping that the stronger dollar would help them save some money on imports — but that hasn't been the case for many.
Daniel Munoz/AFP via Getty Images
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The film industry needs customs brokers too

by Sean McHenry
Sep 30, 2022
Olivia Van Dyke, CEO of Film Logic Customs Brokers, talks about the unique challenges of shipping the things that make movie magic happen.
"We ship camera equipment, we ship props, wardrobe, sound equipment," said Olivia Van Dyke of Film Logic Customs Brokers.
Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP via Getty Images
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As economies worldwide struggle with inflation, Japan faces another problem: a weak yen

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

by Justin Ho
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
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