Os monthly import prices of the United States increased less than expected in March, although details still point to a strengthening of pressures inflationary imported amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Import prices increased 0,8% last month, after a downwardly revised increase of 0.9% in February, reported the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics this Wednesday (15).
Economists consulted by Reuters predicted that import prices, which exclude tariffs, would rise 2,0%after a previously reported 1.3% increase in February.
In the 12 months to March, prices rose 2,1%. This was the largest annual increase since December 2024, at 1.0% in February.
Imported fuel prices rose 2.9% last month, after rising 2.4% in February. since the start of the war between the US and Israel with Iran in late February.
Higher oil prices increased consumer and producer prices in March, according to recently released government data.
Imported food prices rose 0,5%. Excluding food and energy, import prices rose by 0,6%after rising 0.9% in February.
There were solid increases in the prices of imported capital goods as well as consumer goods excluding automobiles.
