US import prices down, export prices hold steady in March 

US import prices decreased 0.1 per cent in March 2025 after a 0.2 per cent increase in February, according to data released by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics on Tuesday.

Fuel import prices fell 2.3 per cent, while non-fuel import prices rose 0.1 per cent for the second consecutive month. Overall import prices increased 0.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY).

Fuel

Petroleum import prices declined 1.5 per cent in March and 6.7 per cent over the year. Natural gas prices dropped 19.8 per cent in March but rose 88.5 per cent YoY. Nonfuel import prices rose 1.5 per cent from March 2024 to March 2025.

Exports

Export prices were unchanged in March, following a 0.5 per cent rise in February. Agricultural export prices were flat as higher soybean prices offset lower prices for wheat and rice. Nonagricultural export prices declined 0.1 per cent, the first monthly decrease since September 2024. Export prices increased 2.4 per cent YoY.

Regions

Import prices from China fell 0.2 per cent, while prices from Japan rose 0.5 per cent. Prices from the European Union were unchanged. Import prices from Mexico and Canada declined 0.3 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively.

Export prices to China rose 0.1 per cent and to Japan 0.7 per cent, while prices to the European Union and Mexico declined 0.1 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively. Export prices to Canada rose 2.4 per cent.

Trade

US terms of trade with China and Japan rose 0.3 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. Terms of trade with Mexico and the European Union fell 0.4 per cent and 0.1 per cent, while terms with Canada increased 3.9 per cent.

Transport

Import air passenger fares rose 0.6 per cent and air freight prices increased 1.5 per cent. Export air passenger fares rose 2.6 per cent, and export air freight prices increased 1.2 per cent.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser