Imports in October fell by about $650 million, to $38 billion.

Total imports fell 6 percent in January, to $34.8 billion, about $500 million below the average a year earlier, today's report also showed.

The drop came as imports fell for the third consecutive week.

Imports fell 3.1 percent from January 1986 to $10.57 billion, also not adjusted.

And, he continues, "even if the case is rejected I find that imports fall by 15-20 percent."

And imports fell for the first time since 1982.

Imports fell by 10 percent and consumption held steady, the institute said.

If American production rises, imports must fall and the consumer pays.

Imports fell $2.4 billion, or 6 percent, to $37 billion, the department said.

Imports fell in June after growing in the previous three months.