The report showed goods prices, excluding food and energy commodities, were unchanged, suggesting higher costs from tariffs are yet to be passed on to consumers. New and used-car prices both declined, as did apparel.
Underlying US inflation rose in May by less than forecast for the fourth month in a row, suggesting companies are finding ways to limit how much of higher costs from tariffs they pass through to customers.
The consumer price index, excluding the often volatile food and energy categories, increased 0.1% from April, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Wednesday. From a year ago, it rose 2.8%.
