31.   Japan never intended to flood U.S. markets with steel exports, and its exports are now declining, Trade Minister Kaoru Yosano said Tuesday.

32.   Its exports declined, foreign direct investment dropped and the freight and insurance charges shot up.

33.   Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry reported that in January Thailand recorded a trade surplus for the fifth consecutive month, but exports in January declined from December.

34.   The Agriculture Department has predicted that while a hemispheric free trade agreement would help U.S. farmers overall, U.S. sugar prices, production and exports could decline significantly.

35.   The surplus is the difference between exports and imports, and while exports have declined moderately, imports have fallen much more rapidly.

36.   However, exports have declined in recent years due to allegations of bonded and under-age child labour in the industry.

37.   Imports were higher on increased purchases of textiles and clothing, but exports declined following a fall in orders for industrial plants.

38.   But now, experts expect Russian exports to decline progressively due to a recovery of domestic demand.

39.   Exports declined an estimated two percent year on year in May, the association said.

40.   Exports declined on weakening demand in Europe, China and Southeast Asia.