11.   Over the last two years, imports have grown steadily, while exports have stagnated or dropped.

12.   Since then, imports have grown.

13.   Steel imports grew more in volume terms than in price, despite the weakening of the yen.

14.   The U.S. trade deficit keeps rising as imports grow, forcing American manufacturers to cut back.

15.   With domestic demand depressed, imports have grown slowly.

16.   Generally, Asian imports grew faster than exports from the region.

17.   Imports grew in aircraft and semiconductor and electric parts, the ministry said.

18.   Imports grew by eight percent.

19.   That means imports will grow faster than exports in the coming months, the officials said.

20.   Still, the rise in the overall surplus was slightly smaller than anticipated because imports grew in July even though many analysts had expected a decline.