The U.S. trade deficit grew to the highest level in March amid a record-setting surge of imports as businesses looked to stockpile inventories before tariffs took effect.

The U.S. trade deficit soared to a record high in March, as importers raced to bring in foreign goods before new tariffs kicked in. U.S. imports in March rose 4.4% to $419 billion, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

The U.S. trade deficit soared to a monthly record of $140.5 billion in March, signaling a rush for imports from businesses and consumers alike ahead of President Donald Trump’s latest — and most sweeping — tariffs taking effect.