U.S. import prices advanced 0.9 percent in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today, following a 0.2-percent increase the previous month. Higher fuel and nonfuel prices both contributed to the December rise in import prices. Prices for U.S. exports also rose in December, advancing 1.1 percent, after increasing 0.7 percent in November. The price index for U.S. imports rose 0.9 percent in December, after advancing 0.2 percent from August to November. The December increase was the largest monthly advance since August. Import prices declined 0.3 percent for the year ended in December. The last time ... (full story)