A reduction in imports and record export sales boosted U.S. economic growth more than previously estimated in the first quarter, Bloomberg reported.

According to revised figures from the Commerce Department, the gross domestic product gained 0.9 percent from January through March, compared with the government’s April estimate of 0.6 percent.

Overseas trade helped offset a cut in consumer spending as Americans dealt with rising fuel and food costs and falling home values. The trade deficit narrowed to an annual pace of $480.2 billion, the smallest since third-quarter 2002, and trade’s contribution to economic growth rose to 0.8 percentage points, four times more than previously estimated. Meanwhile, consumer spending, which makes up more than two-thirds of the economy, increased at an annual rate of 1 percent, the smallest gain since the 2001 recession.

Personal income rose more than expected, up 4.7 percent from a previously estimated 4.4 percent. However, it could slow in upcoming months as the labor market softens. The government has reported job losses for four consecutive months.

Last quarter’s growth could have been greater had it not been for a reduction in estimates for inventories. Companies cut stockpiles at a $14.4 billion annual rate, compared with a previously estimated gain of $1.8 billion. Meanwhile, total sales, which excludes stockpiles, gained at an annual rate of 0.7 percent rather than dropping by 0.2 percent as previously estimated, but is still down from a 2.4 percent growth pace in the fourth quarter.