A striking surge in imports, largely driven by international gold traders rushing bullion to New York depositories, has propelled the US trade deficit to a record high, raising concerns about the economy. According to Commerce Department data released Thursday, the US imported a record $329.5 billion worth of goods in January, marking a $36 billion increase from the previous month. Inbound shipments of finished metal shapes, including bars of precious metals, constituted nearly 60% of the monthly rise in merchandise imports.
— news from Bloomberg
