INTERNATIONAL

China Posts Biggest Trade Deficit Since 1985: China customs data show its trade deficit in 1993 was $12.18 billion, the biggest since a $14.9-billion trade gap in 1985 and its first deficit since 1989. Total trade jumped 18% to a record $195.7 billion, but most of that came from a 29% increase in imports to $103.9 billion that swamped an 8% gain in exports. While the gap increases pressure on Beijing to boost exports and control imports, the United States and other countries are clamoring for more access to China’s markets.