Imports of flat glass to the United States decreased notably in March while exports were virtually unchanged, according to USGNN.com™ analysis of U.S. Department of Commerce data.

Imports in the “Glass-plate, sheet, etc.” category were down 16.1 percent from February to March, totaling $155 million for the month. Through the first quarter of the year, imports of the product amounted to $432 million, a slight 0.3-percent increase from the same span in 2016.

Exports were essentially flat in March, at $126 million compared to $125 million the prior month. Exports of the material have declined just 0.1 percent year-to-date from the same period last year, totaling $365 million from January-March 2017. The tepid March numbers follow a double-digit increase in January and a double-digit decrease in February.

Overall, the nation’s goods and services deficit was $43.7 billion in March, down $0.1 billion from $43.8 billion in February. March exports were $191.0 billion, $1.7 billion less than February exports. March imports were $234.7 billion, $1.7 billion less than February imports.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $9.4 billion, or 7.5 percent, from the same period in 2016. Exports increased $38.0 billion or 7.1 percent. Imports increased $47.5 billion or 7.1 percent.