Mineral exports have generally slowed since 1996.

Imports fell sharply, while exports slowed only modestly from their recent pace.

Furthermore, exports, the traditional backbone of West German growth, are declining and could slow more.

But this time around, both household and business investment remained steady, and company profits held up as exports slowed.

Philippine exports slowed in October, rising only 2.6 percent compared with the month a year ago on slack demand for electronics.

And Hudson's exports of chicken parts, once a booming business, slowed after trade disputes in some foreign markets.

Major transportation arteries were clogged, and imports and exports had slowed to a crawl.

It is trading ahead of this time last year, when sales were hit by the Gulf war, but exports are slowing.

In fact, exports have slowed this year, and industrial output fell in April.

Imports fell sharply while exports slowed only slightly, the Government said.