Benchmark
A Surge in Imports Proves the U.S. Economy's Global Dominance Right Now
Record gain in imports to West Coast ports as exports lag shows America's resilience
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For drought-stricken California, March was less about any kind of precipitation from Mother Nature and more about the virtual flood of imported cargo.
Container ships steamed into West Coast ports last month after the end of a labor dispute, a situation that may soon play out in U.S. trade data. And while the resulting surge in imports may be short-lived, it could still depress first-quarter growth — especially when combined with a smaller gain in exports that underscores America's role as the biggest ship in the waters of the global economy.