US March trade deficit narrows as exports jump to highest in 9 months

The biggest gain in US exports in nine months helped narrow the trade deficit in March, pointing to a revival of global demand that will help the world’s largest economy strengthen.

The gap shrank by 3.6% to $40.4bn (€29.1bn) from the prior month’s $41.9bn, Commerce Department figures showed yesterday in Washington.

The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of 66 economists called for a reduction to $40bn. Sales to foreign customers climbed 2.1% on growing demand for aircraft, autos and fuels.