Debt rises
The U.S. trade deficit rose from $68 billion in July to $69.9 billion in August (a rise of 2.7 percent), on course to set a new record. As of the end of August, the deficit totalled $784.2 billion, 9.4% higher than a year ago. High oil prices, which have pushed up petroleum import costs, and ...
The U.S. trade deficit rose from $68 billion in July to $69.9 billion in August (a rise of 2.7 percent), on course to set a new record. As of the end of August, the deficit totalled $784.2 billion, 9.4% higher than a year ago. High oil prices, which have pushed up petroleum import costs, and the politically-charged trade deficit with China, aided in setting this new monthly record. These figures have given fuel to the Democrats in the run-up to the mid-term elections, who argue that the Bush administration's mishandling of trade and economic issues is just another reason to give them the boot.
More from Foreign Policy

Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.

Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.

The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.

The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.