American exporters exceeded economists’ expectations in December and hit one and a half year highs as it outpaced the growth in imports, lowering the total monthly trade deficit by 3.2% to $44.3B – however the deficit did increase over a yearly basis for 2016.  As part of his plan to spur economic growth in America, increasing exports will be a key part on the process according to Trump and his appointed officials that have spoken on the issue.