WASHINGTON — U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September, more than twice August’s increase, as fuel and other imported goods became more expensive, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Prices were 8.1% higher than a year earlier. That was the largest annual increase since July 2022.
Fuel import prices climbed 4.8% during September after falling in August and July. Petroleum and petroleum products rose 4.6%, while natural gas increased 1.6%.
The increase extended beyond energy. Nonfuel import prices rose 0.7% for the month and 6% over the year, their largest annual gain since April 2022.
Prices for imported capital goods increased 0.9%. Automotive vehicles, parts and engines rose 0.3%, and consumer goods excluding automobiles increased 0.4%. Food, feed and beverage import prices were unchanged.
Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected a 0.8% monthly increase in overall import prices. The measure excludes tariffs, Reuters noted.
August’s overall import-price increase was revised down to 0.5% from the previously reported 0.7%.
Export prices also rose, increasing 2.2% in September after a 1.2% gain in August. They were up 11.6% over the year, the largest annual increase since July 2022.
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