-- US import prices rose by 0.8% in March, less than the 2.3% increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and following a 0.9% increase in February.
Excluding a 9.4% increase in petroleum prices, import prices rose by only 0.1% in March after a 0.9% February increase. A 0.3% increase was expected for March.
Excluding a 2.9% gain in all fuels, import prices were up 0.6% in March. Natural gas prices fell by 71% in the month.
Export prices rose by 1.6% in March, higher than the expectations for a 1.5% increase and following a 1.9% increase in February. Export prices were up 1.7% excluding a 0.9% increase in agricultural commodity prices.