Consumer Inflation Inches Upward in December

Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December was released early Tuesday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and the markets are responding kindly.

The numbers show consumer inflation rose 0.3 percent last month. However, that is 0.10 percent lower than expected. Year over year, consumer inflation is up 2.7 percent. Shelter was the largest increase in December, while the food index rose by 0.7 percent.

On Wednesday, the Bureau will release a companion report, the Producer Price Index (PPI), which provides a read on farmer spending. Join us on Market Day Report for expert analysis on that data and what it means for the ag industry as we head into the new year.

Related Stories
Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.