U.S. producer prices jump 1.4% in April, intensifying Fed inflation pressure

U.S. producer prices rose 1.4% in April from March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said May 13, 2026, far above economists’ 0.5% forecast and March’s revised 0.7% gain, adding evidence that inflation remains sticky. Core producer prices, excluding food and energy, climbed 1% month over month, topping expectations for a 0.3% increase and March’s revised 0.2% rise. From a year earlier, headline PPI rose 6%, above the 4.8% estimate and March’s revised 4.3% increase. Core PPI advanced 5.2% year over year, versus forecasts of 4.3%. The report follows April CPI data showing consumer prices rose 3.8% from a year earlier and 0.6% from March, driven largely by energy. CME data showed about one-third of traders expect at least one quarter-point Federal Reserve rate increase by the December 2026 meeting, while fewer than 3% expect a rate cut by year-end. Fed officials will receive one more CPI and PPI report before their June 16-17, 2026, meeting.