6. Weak Dollar The US trade deficit shrank by more than expected in March as the weak dollar led to a surge in exports, official figures show. The slowing economy also meant that Americans bought fewer products made abroad, including cars and furniture, the Commerce Department said. The trade gap narrowed to $58.2bn (£29.9bn) from February's revised $61.7bn, well below the expected $61bn. A weaker dollar makes US goods cheaper for customers overseas.