In a sign that consumer demand may be fraying around the edges, spending at US retailers slowed sharply in April to 0.1% after a surge of 1.7% in March as shoppers rushed to beat President Donald Trump’s stiff tariffs.

U.S. consumers spent slightly more at retail stores last month after ramping up their shopping in March to get ahead of tariffs.

Retail sales were nearly flat in April with a 0.1% increase in spending compared to March when Americans increased purchases by a robust 1.7% to get ahead of expected tariffs. Last month’s spike