The U.S. trade deficit in goods widened more than expected in March, with imports increasing sharply. The goods trade gap increased by 5.3% to $87.9 billion, according to the Commerce Department's Census Bureau. Economists had predicted the deficit would be a significant drag on economic growth in the first quarter. Imports increased by $9.6 billion to $299.3 billion, largely due to an 11.0% increase in motor vehicles. However, exports decreased by $5.2 billion. The Census Bureau resumed publishing the advance indicators report after the government shutdown.