U. S. Import growth outpaces exports in june

U.S. import growth outpaces exports in June    The U.S. trade deficit increased $1 billion in June from May as consumer spending on imports ticked up along with improvements in the economy,

according to Commerce Department figures released Wednesday.    The trade deficit narrowed in June to $27 billion compared to $33.2 billion in June 2008.    Exports of goods and services

were down $35.8 billion, or 22 percent, while imports fell $69 billion, or 31 percent, from a year ago as consumer spending shrank. In June exports increased $2.4 billion from the previous

month to $125.8 billion and imports climbed $3.5 billion to $149.3 billion.    Goods that experienced an increase in exports included industrial supplies and materials, capital goods and

food, feed and beverages. Services that helped boost export numbers included freight transportation and port activity.