US EditionUS retail sales surge in March due to motor vehicle buying ahead of tariffs
- The Commerce Department will release retail spending data for March at 8:30 a.m.
- Consumers likely increased spending to avoid anticipated price hikes from new tariffs.
- Sales of motor vehicles and parts led gains, increasing 5.3% in March.
- Economists at FactSet estimate sales spiked 1.3%; Chicago Fed estimates 1.2% gain.
- Economists warn that the surge is unlikely to last as tariffs raise prices.
161 Articles
161 Articles
Americans Rushed to Buy New Vehicles in March
Americans are heading to dealerships to buy cars ahead of projected price hikes caused by a series of new tariffs affecting the automotive industry, according to new sales data. In an April 15 presentation, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke said sales of both new and used automobiles increased sharply at the beginning of 2025 compared with prior years. “Sales of new vehicles are accelerating as consumers move to buy before the pre-ta…
Farm Talk Newspaper
Strong Automotive Sales in First Quarter Mask Growing Affordability Concerns as Tariffs Threaten Entry-Priced Inventory, According to Cars Commerce's Industry Insights Q1 Report
Despite soft start, March auto sales soar to sixth-highest in 50 years1 as looming tariffs fuel early demand
US March retail sales surged as consumers sought to beat tariffs
WASHINGTON, United States — US retail sales jumped in March, according to government data published Wednesday, powered by the auto sector as consumers rushed to buy goods before new tariffs kicked in. Overall sales grew 1.4 percent last month to $734.9 billion, the commerce department said in a statement. That was slightly above market expectations of
Pre-tariffs buying fuels U.S. retail sales; weakness lies ahead | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
WASHINGTON >> U.S. retail sales increased by the most in more than two years in March as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and a range of other goods to avoid higher prices from tariffs, likely barely keeping the economy afloat in the first quarter.
Americans are rushing to buy cars before Trump's tariffs kick in
Sales of US motor vehicles and parts soared in March, new data showed.FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesAuto sales jumped in March, likely because of tariff concerns.Loan applications rose after Trump's tariff announcement, and inventory at dealerships has slipped.Different kinds of businesses, from vehicles to clothing, may increase prices due to tariffs.Car buyers weren't waiting around for potential price increases once tariffs took effec…
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