Retail sales fell sharply in May as consumers pulled back after a sharp increase in spending in March to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports.

The engine of this economy — consumers — slowed in May. Consumer spending is responsible for more than two-thirds of gross domestic product in the U.S.

US retail sales fell for a second straight month in May, suggesting anxiety over tariffs and personal finances prompted consumers to pull back after an early-year spending rush.