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The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit narrowed in May to its smallest this year as exports rose to a record, suggesting a tailwind for economic growth in the second quarter.

A bipartisan group of the top senators on the committee that deals with trade blasted President Joe Biden’s chief negotiator for failure to adequately consult with lawmakers regarding the administration’s positions.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced March 11 the U.S. will dramatically downgrade its trade status with Russia as punishment for its invasion of Ukraine and also ban imports of Russian seafood, alcohol and diamonds.

The U.K. is hoping to resume its free-trade negotiations with the Biden administration after the U.S. midterm elections later this year, the minister leading the push said Feb. 2.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit unexpectedly widened in December to a fresh record as imports continued to rise, outpacing shipments overseas.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a record in November as imports surged to an all-time high. The gap increased to $97.8 billion last month from a revised $83.2 billion in October, according to Commerce Department data released Dec. 29.

President Joe Biden’s proposed incentives for U.S. electric-car buyers could be challenged under the North American trade pact, a Canadian auto industry leader warned.

The Biden administration is weighing a new investigation into Chinese subsidies and their damage to the U.S. economy as a way to pressure Beijing on trade, people familiar with the matter said.

The U.S. trade gap widened in May to the second-largest on record as imports increased faster than exports.

The Biden administration should take a different approach to trade than that of its predecessor to help improve the U.S. economy, a key European Commission trade official said.