US import and export prices fall in July as fuel costs drop

18th Aug 2026 13:55

(Sharecast News) - US import and export prices fell in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with lower fuel costs dragging imports lower and non‑agricultural weakness weighing on exports.

Import prices slipped 0.4% on the month after a 0.3% decline in June, marking the sharpest fall since May 2025. Fuel imports dropped 7.2%, led by a 7.5% slide in petroleum, while natural gas prices rose 5.3%. Non‑fuel imports, however, rose 0.4%, driven by higher prices for capital goods, food and beverages, and autos.

Despite July's decline, overall import prices were still 5.9% higher year‑on‑year.

Export prices fell 1.3% in July following a 0.7% drop in June. Non‑agricultural export prices slid 1.5%, reflecting lower prices for industrial supplies, metals and chemicals. Agricultural export prices bucked the trend, rising 1% on the month and 5.7% over the year, supported by stronger soybean, food‑preparation and oilseed prices.

Over the past 12 months, total export prices were up 8.2%, while non‑agricultural export prices rose 8.5%.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com