–Import Prices Ex. Petroleum +0.3%, Ex. Fuels +0.3%
–Export Prices +0.6%, Agriculture Prices +2.4%, Non-Ag +0.3%
By Kevin Kastner
WASHINGTON (MNI) – U.S. prices for imported goods fell 0.3% in
September, as the price of imported petroleum plunged 3.1% and the
remaining components rose 0.3% combined, the Labor Department reported
Wednesday.
Import prices were up for almost all nonpetroleum categories, with
the only exception being a flat reading for capital goods.
Total fuel import prices, which include petroleum as well as
natural gas, also fell 3.1% in the month, while import prices excluding
fuels was also up 0.3%. Natural gas import prices fell 4.4% in
September.
Total import prices were up 3.5% from their year-ago level, while
non-petroleum prices were up 2.9% year/year and prices excluding fuels
were up 2.6% year/year. Fuel prices were up 7.1% year/year, while
petroleum prices were up 5.8% over that period.
Export prices rose 0.6% in September. Agricultural export prices
rose 2.4% and were up 12.1% from a year earlier, the largest 12-month
gain since September 2008.
Export prices for non-agricultural products were up 0.3% on gains
in all the major categories except a flat reading for capital goods.
Total export prices rose 5.0% year/year, while non-agricultural
export prices rose 4.3% over the same period.
The country data were mixed, with declines in the prices of
products from Latin America, Mexico, and China, offset by price gains in
products from the United Kingdom, the EU and Japan. Import prices from
Canada were flat.
** Market News International Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121
[TOPICS: MAUDS$,MT$$$$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]
