Prices for U.S. imports edged up 0.1 percent in July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today, led by higher fuel prices which more than offset lower prices for nonfuel imports. The July increase in import prices followed declines in each of the 2 previous months. U.S. export prices advanced 0.4 percent in July, after decreasing 0.2 percent in June.

The price index for U.S. exports advanced 0.4 percent in July, matching a 0.4-percent rise in December 2016. The increases are the largest monthly advances since a 0.8-percent rise in June 2016. Rising prices for both agricultural and nonagricultural exports contributed to the July increase. Prices for
U.S. exports rose 0.8 percent over the past year, continuing an upward trend; U.S. export prices have not recorded an over-the-year decrease since falling 0.2 percent in November 2016.