U.S. shoppers, nervous about Trump’s policies, are cutting back on non-essential purchases

On March 17, 2025, the Department of Commerce published the retail sales figures for the U.S.A. In February, these increased moderately by 0.2% in a month, below the forecast of a rise of 0.6%. Sales of cars and car parts (down by 0.4%), electronics, department stores, bars and restaurants fell, proof that Americans are starting to tighten their belts.