Retail sales jump as people rush to buy cars ahead of tariffs

Toyota and Lexus cars unloaded from ships sit parked at the Toyota Logistics Services Inc. automotive processing terminal at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif. on April 10, 2025.

The key driver of the economy saw the biggest increase in over two years in March, as car buyers tried to get ahead of President Trump's tariffs on imported autos and auto parts.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)