Retail sales were nearly flat in April with a 0.1% increase in spending compared to March when Americans increased purchases by a robust 1.7% to get ahead of expected tariffs. Last month’s spike

In a sign that consumer demand may be fraying around the edges, spending at US retailers slowed sharply in April to 0.1% after a surge of 1.7% in March as shoppers rushed to beat President Donald Trump’s stiff tariffs.

A new report finds that tariff fears have actually fueled consumer spending in the past month. Sales are up on clothing, new cars, appliances, and almost everything made in China as shoppers rush their purchases for the year, trying to avoid any tariff price hikes.