Powell’s caution on tariff-driven inflation is right
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A new report found inflation on the rise in June, another indicator of the affect Donald Trump's tariffs are having on the US economy.
Tariffs contributed modestly to the rise of inflation last month, analysts told ABC News, citing the price hikes in product categories made up primarily of imports. But, they added, overall price increases owed largely to a rise in housing and food products with little connection to tariffs.
Critics of President Trump's tariff policies have been waiting for the import taxes to raise the inflation rate. That effect may be beginning.
A number of factors, including a lack of significant gains in auto prices, are masking the extent of the shift.
U.S. equity funds again came under selling pressure through the week to July 16, dampened by worries over President Donald Trump's tariff rhetoric and the buildup in inflationary pressure, potentially keeping the Federal Reserve cautious about a premature rate cut.
Egg prices cooled significantly in June, deviating from an overall rise in prices. The price of eggs climbed 27% over the year ending in June, which marked a slowdown from 41% year-over-year growth in May. Under Trump, inflation has defied doomsday predictions and helped to propel sturdy economic performance.
New data showing price increases last month could foreshadow even higher costs if the president imposes steep tariffs on Aug. 1.
The prices for food at home rose 0.3 in June, while food away from home, meaning restaurants, ticked up 0.4% on a monthly basis. Notably, the Trump administration has recently imposed a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes. The energy index edged up 0.9% in June, as gasoline prices jumped 1% over the month but shed 7.9% for the year.
Rising rents were the main driver of inflation in June. But the price of clothing, appliances and toys also jumped — which likely reflects the effects of import taxes. Clothing prices rose 0.4% while the price of appliances and toys jumped nearly 2%.
Consumers’ worst fears about tariff-induced inflation have receded, though they are still wary of price increases to come.
Current tariff collections equate to 0.1% monthly inflation, aligning with recent CPI data. See why I’m skeptical that tariffs will lead to widespread inflation.