US import prices fall as petroleum, food costs decline

U.S. import prices fell in August amid declines in the cost of petroleum products and food, suggesting imported inflation could remain subdued for a while.

The Labor Department said on Friday import prices dropped 0.5% last month. Data for July was revised lower to show import prices gaining 0.1% instead of rising 0.2% as previously reported.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast import prices would decline 0.4% in August. In the 12 months through August, import prices decreased 2.0% after dropping 1.9% in July.

That suggests inflation will likely remain moderate despite an increase in underlying consumer prices in August, which could allow the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates further to limit the damage to the economy from U.S.-China trade tensions.

Financial markets have fully priced in a rate cut at the Fed’s Sept. 17-18 policy meeting. Most economists expect additional monetary policy easing in October and December.

The Fed cut rates in July for the first time since 2008.

Import prices exclude tariffs. In August, prices for imported fuels and lubricants dropped 4.3% after rebounding 0.7% in July. Petroleum prices declined 4.8% after increasing 0.9% in the prior month. Imported food prices fell 0.3%, the fourth straight monthly decline.

Excluding fuels and food, import prices were unchanged last month after edging up 0.1% in July. The core import prices decreased 1.1% in the 12 months through August.

The cost of imported capital goods was unchanged for a second straight month in August. The price of imported motor vehicles and parts nudged up 0.1% last month. Prices for imported consumer goods excluding automobiles gained 0.1%.

The cost of goods imported from China ticked down 0.1% in August after falling 0.2% in July. Prices declined 1.6% in the 12 months through August.

The report also showed export prices fell 0.6% in August after rising 0.2% in the prior month. Export prices dropped 1.4% on a year-on-year basis in August after decreasing 0.9% in July.