Domestic demand for imports fell in March by the most since 2001, the latest indication that the economic slowdown has forced Americans to rein in their spending habits, the government reported Friday.

Americans shied away from buying imported automobiles, with sales down 9.3 percent in March, and oil, which dropped 8.9 percent. With oil prices rising, the March dip in oil imports was expected to be temporary. Declines were reported in a variety of other goods, ranging from clothing to toys and furniture.

At the same time, exports decreased for the first time in 12 months, a troubling sign for American businesses struggling with a pullback among domestic consumers. Foreign purchases have helped prop up the American economy amid the current slowdown.