US Import Prices Rise More than Expected

2026-06-16 12:38 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

US import prices rose 1.9% from the previous month in May of 2026, extending the upwardly revised 2% increase from the earlier period, which was the fastest rise in four years, and well above market expectations of a 1% increase.

Imports of fuel and lubricants surged by 12.5% from the previous month as the war in the Middle East continued to prevent energy exports from Persian Gulf countries, lifting oil and product prices across the globe.

Meanwhile, nonfuel import prices rose by 0.8% with increases for capital good, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, consumer goods excluding automotives, and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines.

The gauge excludes tariffs that US importers must pay, which increased since the series of measures passed by the presidential administration, to signal that producers are passing on price hikes to consumers.

Import prices surged by 6.7% from the previous year, the most in over three years.



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US Import Prices Rise More than Expected
US import prices rose 1.9% from the previous month in May of 2026, extending the upwardly revised 2% increase from the earlier period, which was the fastest rise in four years, and well above market expectations of a 1% increase. Imports of fuel and lubricants surged by 12.5% from the previous month as the war in the Middle East continued to prevent energy exports from Persian Gulf countries, lifting oil and product prices across the globe. Meanwhile, nonfuel import prices rose by 0.8% with increases for capital good, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, consumer goods excluding automotives, and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines. The gauge excludes tariffs that US importers must pay, which increased since the series of measures passed by the presidential administration, to signal that producers are passing on price hikes to consumers. Import prices surged by 6.7% from the previous year, the most in over three years.
2026-06-16
US Import Prices Rise More than Expected
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US Import Price Growth Falls Short of Expectations
US import prices increased by 0.8% month-over-month in March 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.9% rise in February and missing market forecasts of a 2% surge. Fuel and lubricant prices jumped 2.9%, the largest increase since January 2025, driven by higher petroleum costs that outweighed lower natural gas prices. Nonfuel import prices also climbed 0.6% in March, after a 0.8% rise in February, supported by increases in nonfuel industrial supplies, capital goods, consumer goods (excluding autos), and foods, feeds, and beverages. On an annual basis, US import prices advanced 2.1% in March, marking the strongest year-over-year gain since December 2024.
2026-04-15