They added that the dollar's recent rise could hurt exports by making them more expensive.
As a result, the European Union has begun promoting such programs even though they may eventually hurt exports.
The threat of sanctions has already hurt Brazilian exports.
He said high interest rates had lifted the Canadian dollar to levels that were hurting exports.
Analysts said the smaller annual surplus was largely a result of the strong rand, which has hurt exports.
The rising yen is harmful because it hurts Japanese exports.
A weaker dollar hurts British exports because they cost more.
The high value of the peso has hurt exports and kept Argentina's economic growth slow.
A strengthening dollar, while good for fighting inflation, hurts manufacturing exports.
The drop-off has hurt exports and caused local prices to soar.