For the second consecutiveyear, the strong U.S. dollar and lackluster economies in Japanand Germany negatively impacted U.S. exports of sporting goods.The pace of imports, however, quickened a bit in 1997 to an 8.9per cent increase compared to a 6.1 per cent gain in 1996,

The strongest category exportgains last year were in non-inflatable balls (44%), 'Other'sports equipment (42%), golf club parts (28%) and non-leathersneakers (24%). Conversely, according to the data compiled by theSGMA, 'Other' tennis equipment (-52%), tennis balls (-40%) and'Other' golf equipment (-31%) posted the biggest declines. Since1989, U.S. sporting goods exports have risen 60 per cent from$960.4 million to ... Log in to view full article.