The US trade deficit widened to a record in March as companies rushed to import products as the Trump administration readied sweeping tariffs.

The U.S. trade deficit grew to the highest level in March amid a record-setting surge of imports as businesses looked to stockpile inventories before tariffs took effect.

The U.S. international trade deficit, including goods and services, widened 14% in March to a record seasonally adjusted $140.5 billion, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, as companies rushed to import foreign products while they were slightly cheaper than they would be with White House tariffs added to the cost.