Mexican trade deficit amounts $2.3 billion in December
Mexico reported a trade deficit of $2.3 billion in December as the country's expanding economy fuelled imports as well as increased internal spending. In December, exports rose by 7.2% from a year earlier while imports soared by 13.4%, according to the preliminary data released by the Finance Ministry. Mexican companies in 2004 imported 17.9% more consumer goods such as televisions, other electronic appliances, medicines and automobiles. Mexico ended 2004 with an annual trade deficit of $8.1 billion, with 12.7% more manufacturing exports.