2026.04.1512:36:38UTC+00US Import Price Growth Falls Short of Expectations

US import prices rose 0.8% month-over-month in March 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.9% increase in February and falling short of market expectations for a 2% jump. Fuel and lubricant prices climbed 2.9%, the largest monthly gain since January 2025, as higher petroleum costs more than offset lower natural gas prices. Nonfuel import prices were up 0.6% in March, after a 0.8% increase in February, supported by higher prices for nonfuel industrial supplies, capital goods, consumer goods excluding automobiles, and foods, feeds, and beverages. On a year-over-year basis, US import prices advanced 2.1% in March, the strongest annual increase since December 2024.