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Inflation · October 16, 2026 · 2 min read

U.S. import prices rise 1.1% in September; export prices increase 2.2%

By Econ Data Tools Editorial Team

Published October 16, 2026 • Updated October 16, 2026

Reviewed by Editorial QC

The BLS reports an 8.1% annual increase in import prices. Fuel imports rose 4.8% in September, while nonfuel imports increased 0.7%.

U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September after a revised 0.5% increase in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 16. Import prices were 8.1% above their September 2025 level, the largest 12-month increase since July 2022. Fuel import prices increased 4.8% in September after falling 0.2% in August. Petroleum and petroleum product prices rose 4.6%, while natural gas prices increased 1.6%. The release attributes the overall import-price increase to higher prices for both fuel and nonfuel imports. Nonfuel import prices rose 0.7% for the month and 6.0% over the year. The annual increase was the largest since April 2022. Capital goods, nonfuel industrial supplies and materials, consumer goods excluding automotives, and automotive vehicles, parts and engines contributed to the monthly increase. Within finished goods, import capital goods prices increased 0.9%, automotive vehicles, parts and engines rose 0.3%, and consumer goods excluding automotives increased 0.4%. Prices for imported foods, feeds and beverages were unchanged in September. U.S. export prices increased 2.2% in September after a revised 1.2% rise in August, bringing their 12-month increase to 11.6%. Agricultural export prices rose 2.6% for the month and nonagricultural export prices increased 2.1%. These are export-price measures, not changes in the volume of goods sold abroad. The monthly and annual figures describe different comparison periods and should not be substituted for one another. Import and export prices also are distinct from consumer prices. The release does not, by itself, establish a future Federal Reserve decision or how much of a business cost change will be passed on to customers.

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