A sharp rise in the US trade deficit in March

The US trade deficit in assets expanded significantly in March in amid a sharp rise in imports, indicating that trade continued to put pressure on economic growth in the first quarter.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the commodity trade deficit jumped 17.8% to $ 125.3 billion.

Imports increased by 11.5%, outstripping the 7.2% increase in exports. Trade cut GDP growth for six consecutive quarters.