The UK's trade deficit was less than expected in January, thanks to strong exports of cars to the US, China and Russia, official figures have shown.
'Recession avoided'
David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Taking monthly fluctuations into account, the figures confirm a steady improvement in Britain's trading position, although progress is not as strong as it should be.
"Exports are growing more quickly than imports, and it is reassuring that the economy is gradually rebalancing.
