The United States imported more goods in March due to the import duties announced by President Donald Trump.
Imports rose by a significant 30 percent compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB). Compared to February, imports rose by 5.8 percent. Imports into the US had already increased earlier this year.
According to the CPB, there is a possible anticipation effect. This means that American companies imported extra goods in anticipation of the impending tariff increases.
Trump has started trade wars with almost all trading partners since the beginning of his second term. The president is particularly focused on China. Trump is convinced that import duties will lead to a revival of the American manufacturing industry.
The US mainly imported more metals for industry. Imports of computers, other electronics and pharmaceutical products also increased. The CPB notes that the increase in American imports from China is quite limited. China did export more goods (plus 7.6 percent) to other countries in March than a month earlier.
The total global trade volume rose by 2.2 percent in March compared to February. In February, the increase was 0.3 percent.