2026.04.1412:30:00UTC+00US Core Producer Prices Cool in March, Signaling Softer Pipeline Inflation

The U.S. Producer Price Index excluding food, energy and transport eased in March, pointing to a moderation in underlying pipeline inflation pressures. The core gauge rose 0.2% month-over-month in March 2026, down from a 0.5% increase in February 2026.

On a month-over-month basis, the data show that producer prices for core categories are still rising, but at a slower pace than in the previous period. The comparison indicates that the current 0.2% gain reflects a more moderate step-up in producer costs relative to February’s stronger 0.5% advance, which was measured against January.

The latest figures, updated on 14 April 2026, suggest some relief in cost pressures at earlier stages of the production chain, a development that could eventually filter through to consumer prices if the trend persists. Investors and policymakers will be watching subsequent monthly releases closely to assess whether March’s softer reading marks the start of a more sustained cooling in core producer inflation.