Employers in the US added 228,000 new workers to their payrolls in March, according to figures released by the Department of Labor on Friday.
The figures significantly exceeded expectations. Economists reckoned 140,000 jobs would be added in March, nearly 90,000 fewer than the eventual figure.
Workforce participation climbed slightly, from 62.4% to 62.5%.
The length of the average workweek also increased, which is a sign of demand for labor.
Average hourly earnings also rose, by 0.3% compared with February and 3.8% compared with a year ago.
The strong figures come as uncertainty about Trump’s economic policies, and in particular his flagship policy of tariffs, continues.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced a comprehensive new policy of “reciprocal tariffs” that would affect the US’s major trading partners and many smaller nations as well.
Trump’s announcement of the tariffs sent out a global shockwave, causing a record two-day decline in stock-market value of $5 trillion. Prices for oil and commodities plummeted, as investors sought a measure of safety in government bonds.
The 10% baseline tariff took effect at 12.01 am ET on Saturday and represents “the single biggest trade action of our lifetime,” according to former White House trade adviser Kelly Ann Shaw.
Among the countries subject to the 10% tariff are Australia, Britain, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
At 12.01am ET on Wednesday, Trump’s higher “reciprocal” tariff rates, varying from 11% to 50%, will take effect. Imports from the European Union will face a 20% tariff, while Chinese goods will be subject to an additional 34% tariff, bringing the total Trump has imposed on China to 54%.
Canada and Mexico are exempt from Trump’s latest duties because they remain subject to an earlier 25% tariff related to the fentanyl and illegal immigration crises. Trump is also excluding goods subject to separate 25% national-security tariffs, which include steel and aluminum, cars, trucks and auto parts.
The new tariffs are expected to force foreign countries to the negotiating table. Vietnam, which was hit with one of the highest tariff rates—46%—has already agreed to discuss new trade terms with Trump.