The American case was weak, though, because foreign imports had actually been declining over the last several years.

Imports into Europe from developing countries have declined substantially over the past 20 years or so.

Other imports declined to 6.6 percent of the market from 7.3 percent last year.

Imports from the United States declined 3.4 percent, to $4.41 billion.

Canada also scored a rise in exports, but its imports declined.

Imports from the United States declined by 4.7 percent, meanwhile, to $2.84 billion.

Imports of automobiles, auto parts and engines declined $1 billion.

According to the report, imports declined 2 percent, but exports fell 6.5 percent.

Exports rose 10.3 percent from a year earlier while imports declined 1 percent.

"Unfortunately, our imports from the United States have declined," he said.