DEFICIT SHRANK: The U.S. trade deficit narrowed 4.9 percent in April to $50.1 billion, reflecting that a big decline in imports more than offset a smaller drop in exports.
EXPORTS DOWN: U.S. exports, among the standout performers during the economic recovery, hit a record in March. In April, they dropped 0.8 percent to $182.9 billion, with U.S. sales falling to Europe and big emerging markets such as China and Brazil.
OUTLOOK: Economists are concerned that weakness in the global economy could dampen demand for American-made products.
