The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in April, with imports decreasing by the most on record as the front-running of goods ahead of tariffs ebbed, which could provide a lift to economic growth this quarter.

Americans bought fewer foreign pharmaceuticals, cellphones and cars, and cut purchases of machinery and other supplies.

The U.S. international trade deficit narrowed 55.5% in April to $61.6 billion, the Commerce Department said Thursday.  Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had predicted the deficit would narrow to a seasonally adjusted $63.