sia and a marked increase in U.S. imports from Asia. The broadest measure of U.S. international economic transactions is the balance on current account. In addition to merchandise trade, it includes trade in services and unilateral transfers. The current account deficit increased in 1999 to a record $331.5 billion from $217.1 billion in 1998. After reaching a peak of $160.7 billion in 1987, the current account deficit had fallen steadily through 1991 when it reached a surplus of $6.6 billion. Economic projections indicate that the current account deficit may reach between $430-$450 billion in 2000. ...
