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.

Americans bought fewer foreign pharmaceuticals, cellphones and cars, and cut purchases of machinery and other supplies.

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