The U.S. Department of Labor reported on the 13th (local time) that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for February remained steady compared to the previous month.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor on the same day, the U.S. PPI increased by 0% in February, which was lower than the forecasted 0.3%.
The core PPI, excluding food and energy prices that are subject to large fluctuations, decreased by 0.1%, significantly below the forecast of 0.3%. According to Bloomberg News, this marks the first decline in core PPI since last July.
Compared to the same month last year, the PPI recorded a nominal index of 3.2%, while the core was at 3.4%. Both are 0.1 percentage points lower than the forecast.
The producer price, also known as 'wholesale prices,' is considered a leading indicator of consumer prices since it reflects changes in final consumer goods prices after a certain delay.
In response, U.S. CNBC noted, 'This means that inflation is easing despite concerns related to the tariff policy of the Donald Trump administration.'