The U.S. trade deficit shrank for the first time in six years in 2019. It fell 1.7% to $617 billion as the White House's trade war with China curbed imports.

The report by the Commerce Department showed the Trump Administration's "America First" agenda resulted in a decrease in the flow of goods last year. Exports and imports both tumbled. Americans bought less industrial materials and supplies and consumer goods from overseas, while U.S. trading partners purchased fewer American capital goods and industrial supplies.

The U.S.' politically-sensitive trade deficit with China plunged nearly 18% last year. The U.S. shortfall, however, ballooned to record highs with other partners with which the U.S. has sparred, Mexico and the European Union.

But AS trade tensions EASED with China ith the signing of an initial trade deal IN DECEMEMBER, goods imports rebounded sharply AT THE END OF THE YEAR, widening the trade deficit more than economists had expected.

BUT Wednesday's report predates the coronavirus outbreak in China… which is SURe to have an impact on trade.