“Bottom Line: What is already getting the most media attention about today’s trade report is the “bad news” that: a) the U.S. trade deficit increased in December and for the year, b) the trade deficit with China “soared to a record high” last year, and c) the reason for the trade deficit with China is because it “deliberately undervalues its currency to give its companies Americans an unfair a generous price advantage.”   

What won’t receive much (any?) media attention is the good news that the total U.S. trade activity (Exports + Imports) set a record high in 2011, reflecting the improvement in both the U.S. and world economies last year.  Foreigner consumers and producers purchased a record volume of “Made in the USA” exports, and American consumers and producers purchased a record volume of “Made Outside the USA” imports, which is a positive sign of worldwide economic recovery and vibrancy.”

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(RCS): Here’s a bull’s point of view.  Always important to hear their side of the story.