U.S. import prices barely declined in September, with oil prices rebounding and the drag on prices from a weak global economy appearing to moderate, Labor Department data showed on Friday.
The smaller-than-expected 0.1 percent decline in import prices could help lay the groundwork for an eventual interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.
Prices for imported oil rose 1.1 percent during the month after declining sharply in August. Non-oil import prices declined only 0.2 percent in September, which was half the pace of the declines registered in July and August.
Fed chief Janet Yellen has argued that import prices have been a major factor keeping inflation well below the Fed’s 2 percent target.
The surge in value of the U.S. dollar, which has been fueled by expectations a strengthening U.S. economy would lead to higher interest rates, has been a factor decreasing the price of non-oil import prices.
