US consumer prices rose 0.4% month-over-month in August 2025, up from July’s 0.2% increase and above market expectations of 0.3%. It was the sharpest monthly rise since January, fueling concerns that President Donald Trump’s trade policies are adding to cost pressures for households. Shelter prices climbed 0.4%, while food costs advanced 0.5%, driven by a 0.6% gain in the food-at-home index and a 0.3% increase in food away from home. Energy prices jumped 0.7% on the back of a 1.9% surge in gasoline. Additional upward pressure came from airline fares, used cars and trucks, apparel, and new vehicles, while declines were seen in medical care, recreation, and communication. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 0.3% on the month, matching July’s pace and in line with forecasts.