1.   Asian countries, unable to afford things, have slashed their imports, and U.S. exports are falling.

2.   A report released last week by the Commerce Department showed that U.S. exports fell in April for the first time this year.

3.   But exports fell faster, reflecting soft demand in troubled Asian countries.

4.   But exports also fell, mainly because Asian countries, in turn, cut their purchases of Japanese products.

5.   Copper and gold exports fell on lower international metal prices.

6.   Economists expected exports to fall as trade flows returned to normal after a big jump last February when Kobe-area ports reopened following the quake.

7.   Economists say that even with loan guarantees, American exports will fall sharply and Mexican exports will increase.

8.   Even though July aircraft exports fell, these sales are expected to be a source of strength in years ahead.

9.   Exports are falling because of a slowdown in European growth, as both France and Germany flirt with recession.

10.   Exports are still falling, but more slowly than before.