Consumer prices in the US have taken a surprising turn since President Trump's second term began nine months ago. A recent report shows inflation accelerating at a rate of 0.3%, with prices rising just shy of 3% compared to this time last year, primarily driven by surging food and energy costs due to tariffs imposed on various products.
One notable exception is beef, which has finally fallen in price for the first time since Trump took office, down 4.5% from August. The decrease is attributed to a combination of factors including severe droughts in cattle-producing regions and increased imports from other countries, such as Canada and Brazil, despite rising tariffs on top beef exporters.
On the other hand, some staples like bananas have become more expensive, with prices soaring by 9% over the past nine months. The rise is largely attributed to President Trump's trade policies, which imposed tariffs on banana suppliers from Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Other goods saw minimal changes in cost, including eggs, milk, bread, tomatoes, chicken, and ground beef. However, prices for electricity and natural gas continued their upward trajectory, with average costs increasing by nearly 7% and 15%, respectively, compared to when President Biden left office.
The next consumer price report is expected to be released on November 13, but with the US government shutdown, no new releases are planned until the government reopens. The uncertainty surrounding future inflation rates raises questions about whether prices will continue to rise or cool down in the coming months.
One notable exception is beef, which has finally fallen in price for the first time since Trump took office, down 4.5% from August. The decrease is attributed to a combination of factors including severe droughts in cattle-producing regions and increased imports from other countries, such as Canada and Brazil, despite rising tariffs on top beef exporters.
On the other hand, some staples like bananas have become more expensive, with prices soaring by 9% over the past nine months. The rise is largely attributed to President Trump's trade policies, which imposed tariffs on banana suppliers from Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Other goods saw minimal changes in cost, including eggs, milk, bread, tomatoes, chicken, and ground beef. However, prices for electricity and natural gas continued their upward trajectory, with average costs increasing by nearly 7% and 15%, respectively, compared to when President Biden left office.
The next consumer price report is expected to be released on November 13, but with the US government shutdown, no new releases are planned until the government reopens. The uncertainty surrounding future inflation rates raises questions about whether prices will continue to rise or cool down in the coming months.