Panic over U.S. import tariffs spurs fastest retail sales growth in two years

Economic data has validated anecdotal reports: Some panicked consumers are hurrying to buy big-ticket items like cars, electronics, and appliances to beat potential price hikes from looming U.S. import tariffs.
Mark Niquette and Augusta Saraiva for Bloomberg News:‎US retail sales surged 1.4% in March from the previous month, the biggest jump in more than two years. Auto purchases led the advance with a 5.3% increase as buyers sought to dodge President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on fin