January was the first month since 1977 that imports exceeded nine million barrels a day, experts said.

Until the 1970's exports exceeded imports in value, producing a favorable balance of trade.

At last year's estimated record level, American imports exceeded exports by $175 billion, about $30 billion greater than the 1985 figure.

American imports from China exceeded exports by an additional $6 billion so far this year compared with the similar period in 1998.

In 2000, imports exceeded exports by a ratio of nearly 4 to 1.

The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.

The gap by which imports exceed exports fell to $14.1 billion, the best figure since May.

Civilian imports exceeded $11 billion in 1990; $3 billion of that for food.

The total imports and exports on the eve of the French invasion (in 1830) did not exceed £175,000.

The gap by which imports exceeded exports was $14.1 billion.