US imports of foreign made goods fell sharply in April compared with the previous month, as tariffs clamped down on global trade. Much of the 16.3 percent drop from March, however, reflected the fact that importers rushed to bring many goods into the United States at the beginning of the year to get ahead of tariffs ordered by President Trump.

Economists forecast the trade deficit, a key preoccupation of President Trump, tumbled to $66.3 billion in April. + It ballooned to a record $140.5 billion in March as businesses r

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in April, with imports decreasing by the most on record as the front-running of goods ahead of tariffs ebbed, which could provide a lift to economic growth this quarter.