Mexico reported a trade deficit of $183 million in March compared to economists’ expectations of a $958 million surplus. Imports jumped 15% on a year earlier, the fastest rate of growth since September 2011. Panjiva data shows that growth in a mixture of electronics and heavy industrial equipment were among the main drivers. Exports, excluding petroleum, increased by 13%. While U.S.-bound shipments rose at a modestly slower rate of 12% that doesn’t obviate the political risks faced going into NAFTA negotiations.