Slower U.S. Export Growth Foreseen For 2005

ByJohn S. McClenahen As slowing global economic growth more than offsets any stimulus from a cheaper U.S. dollar, total American exports will grow 8% this year, slightly slower than 2004's 8.3% rate, forecasts the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, an Arlington, Va.-based business and public policy research group. "In 2006, however, the effects of the current dollar decline should be fully priced into tradable goods and services markets. Further, China and India should recover from their slowing events, and steadier growth should return to the Eurozone and Japan," says alliance economist Cliff Waldman. "As a result, we predict an acceleration of U.S. export activity to 9.6% in 2006".