The U.S. trade deficit widened in July by less than forecast, reflecting an increase in exports of cars and services.

The U.S. trade deficit widened to a record last year on a surge in imports as American companies scrambled early on to ensure they had enough merchandise on hand to meet demand.

The war in Ukraine will put further pressure on grain-importing countries in Africa and Asia as a reduced number of vessels for delivering cargoes drives up shipping rates, according to the head of the International Chamber of Shipping.

While a proposed border adjustment tax on goods including cars and trucks appears to have been pulled off the political stove by House Republicans, the North American Free Trade Agreement is still on a burner.

U.S. import prices increased more than expected in April amid rising costs for petroleum products and a range of other goods, which could help boost domestic inflation and keep the Federal Reserve on course for further interest rate hikes.

U.S. import prices rose in January more than expected amid further gains in the cost of energy products, but a strong dollar continued to dampen underlying imported inflation.

U.S. import prices recorded their biggest drop in nine months in November on declining petroleum costs, with renewed dollar strength threatening to keep imported inflation subdued.

U.S. import prices fell for the first time in six months in August on declining petroleum and food costs, pointing to a tame inflation environment that could encourage the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady. 

WASHINGTON  — U.S. import prices rose less than expected in June as rising costs for petroleum products were offset by declining consumer and capital goods prices, suggesting inflation could remain benign for a while.

Here’s one key takeaway from the Labor Department’s report Jan. 14 on import prices, costs of imported goods excluding fuels declined 3.4% last year, the biggest annual decrease since records began in 2001 and representing the challenge faced by the Federal Reserve in achieving its inflation goal.