The increase was unexpected. Analysts had on average counted on a decrease to 145 billion dollars, according to Bloomberg's compilation of forecasts.
Imports rose 5 percent to 342.7 billion, while exports increased 1.2 percent to 180.8 billion.
Wholesale inventories rose in March by 0.5 percent to 908 billion dollars, while retail inventories fell 0.1 percent to 805.8 billion dollars.
