U.S. trade deficit soars to record high in March

The U.S. trade deficit in goods soared by 14.1 billion dollars in March, reaching a record 162.0 billion dollars, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau on Tuesday.

According to media analysts, the sharp increase in the trade deficit was due to businesses stockpiling goods before the U.S. government introduced a series of so-called "reciprocal tariffs."

Americans' monthly consumer confidence index published on Tuesday by the Conference Board, a non-profit research institute, dropped by 7.9 points to 86.0 points in April.

This marks the fifth consecutive month that consumer confidence has declined, and the lowest level since May 2020, the board said.

U.S. trade deficit soars to record high in March

U.S. trade deficit soars to record high in March

The Chinese military has continued to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of and airspace over the Huangyan Dao as well as the surrounding areas in the South China Sea since the beginning of December, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said Wednesday.

The PLA Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces troops to reinforce patrols and vigilance, further strengthening control and management over the relevant areas.

The move has effectively addressed various infringement and provocations, with an aim to safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command.

Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao