U.S. import prices rose slightly in December, broadly matching market expectations, according to data published by the Labor Department on Tuesday.
The report showed import prices increased by 0.1% during the month, in line with economists’ forecasts. On an annual basis, import prices were unchanged from December a year earlier.
Export prices, however, posted a stronger gain than anticipated. The Labor Department said export prices climbed 0.3% in December, exceeding economists’ expectations for a 0.1% increase. Compared with a year earlier, export prices were up 3.1%.
The agency noted that it did not issue its usual detailed press release for the report, citing the impact of the extended government shutdown last year.