DHL to cut 600 jobs in U.S., cites economy, market

(Adds executive comment, details of write down, DHL U.S. break-even targets

CHICAGO, Feb 12 (Reuters) - DHL, Deutsche Post AG's (DPWGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) express delivery unit, said on Tuesday it will cut around 600 jobs in the United States, citing the "current economic climate and market demands."

The job cuts will be "achieved through reductions, attrition and the suspension of some existing open positions," the company said in a statement.

DHL has struggled with plans to expand its package delivery presence in the U.S. market, which is dominated by United Parcel Service Inc (UPS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and FedEx Corp (FDX.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

"This action is one of several measures we are taking to improve our competitive position in the U.S. market, which is strategic to our global growth plan," said Hans Hickler, Chief Executive of DHL's U.S. business.

Deutsche Post said in late January it would write down around 600 million euros on the value of the U.S. business after abandoning a target to break even in the U.S. market in 2009.

Officials at the U.S unit said last September that slowing U.S. economic growth could dent the company's break-even target. (Reporting by Nick Carey, editing by Jeffrey Benkoe; Editing by Andre Grenon)