US trade gap narrows in February ahead of bulk of Trump tariffs [Video]

The US trade deficit narrowed in February, according to government data released Thursday that was collected before President Donald Trump launched his most recent salvo of punishing worldwide tariffs.

The overall trade gap of the world’s biggest economy shrank 6.1 percent to $122.7 billion, said the Commerce Department, slightly more than analysts expected.

In February, Trump unveiled — then halted — sharp tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while imposing added duties on China.

In the weeks since then, he has rolled out painful levies on sectors including steel, aluminum and autos, with a global 10 percent tariff to hit US trading partners in early April. Some countries and blocs will face even higher rates down the line.

All of this is set to weigh on US trade, as retailers and manufacturers scramble to adjust their supply chains and avoid cost increases.

“Front-loading of imports remained in full effect in February,” …