Supply chain data shows the flip side to the drop in the trade deficit: an import surge has turned into a pause and small businesses face the most pain.

US imports of foreign made goods fell sharply in April compared with the previous month, as tariffs clamped down on global trade. Much of the 16.3 percent drop from March, however, reflected the fact that importers rushed to bring many goods into the United States at the beginning of the year to get ahead of tariffs ordered by President Trump.

Goods brought into the US plunged by 20% in April, recording their largest ever monthly drop in the face of a wave of tariffs unleashed by US President Donald Trump. The retreat reflects the abrupt hit to trade, after firms had rushed products into the country earlier this year to try to get ahead of new taxes on imports Trump had promised.