1.   Analysts welcomed the unexpected improvement in the trade picture, but said the underlying deficit, which excludes trade in oil and erratic items, still remained a concern.

2.   But for the time being, at least, the trade picture is not entirely negative.

3.   China has long argued that U.S. figures misrepresent the trade picture.

4.   China has long argued that for these reasons U.S. government figures misrepresent the trade picture.

5.   China has long argued that U.S. government figures misrepresent the trade picture.

6.   China has long argued that for these reasons, U.S. government figures misrepresent the trade picture.

7.   Critics already contend the treaty would hasten the export of U.S. capital and jobs, arguments sure to be strengthened by the worsening trade picture.

8.   The Mexican trade picture has reversed since the implementation of NAFTA.

9.   The revision came as the trade picture improved, while businesses added to inventories at a slower pace.

10.   The trade picture is likely to soon brighten on a cyclical basis, as the low dollar bolsters exports even more and as a slowdown in growth cuts imports.