Producer Prices Inched Upward in February

Washington, DC, March 14, 2017—The Producer Price Index for final demand increased 0.3% in February, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

Final demand prices rose 0.6% in January and 0.2% in December.

On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index climbed 2.2% for the 12 months ended February 2017, the largest advance since a 2.4% increase in the 12 months ended March 2012.

In February, over 80% of the advance in the final demand index is attributable to a 0.4% increase in prices for final demand services. The index for final demand goods moved up 0.3%.

Prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services rose 0.3% in February, the largest increase since a 0.3% advance in April 2016. For the 12 months ended in February, the index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services climbed 1.8%.