US Import Prices Unchanged in December

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U.S. import prices were unchanged on a year-over-year basis in December, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday. The BLS noted that the recent three-day government shutdown did not affect data collection for price indexes, though a longer 43-day shutdown earlier in 2025 had prevented the publishing of monthly import price changes for October and November.

Why it matters

Import prices are a key economic indicator that can signal inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy. The unchanged year-over-year figure suggests relatively stable import costs for American businesses and consumers, though the earlier government shutdown disrupted the regular reporting of this data.

The details

According to the BLS, U.S. import prices were unchanged in December compared to the same month a year earlier, after falling 0.1% in November. The agency noted that the recent three-day government shutdown did not impact data collection, but a longer 43-day shutdown earlier in 2025 had prevented the publishing of monthly import price changes for October and November.

• U.S. import prices were unchanged in December 2025 compared to December 2024.
• Import prices fell 0.1% in November 2025 compared to the prior year.
• The BLS did not publish monthly import price changes for October and November 2025 due to a 43-day government shutdown earlier that year.