U.S. wholesale inflation decelerated last month, suggesting that price pressures are easing for now. But the progress may not last as President Trump intensifies his trade wars. The Labor Department reported Thursday that its producer price index — which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers — was unchanged from January

Wholesale Producer Price Index inflation stayed flat in February while economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected a 0.3% increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday PPI inflation was 3.2% for the 12 months ended in February.

Americans just got some reassurances that inflation was slowing, and not reaccelerating, last month. The Producer Price Index, a wholesale inflation gauge that is being closely watched for tariff-related impacts,

Economists are bracing for intensifying price pressures and slower growth, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve.

Inflation eased last month, but the data may offer less comfort to businesses, consumers and the Fed than it otherwise would as looming tariffs may keep prices rising.

U.S. consumer prices increased moderately in February as higher shelter costs were partially offset by cheaper airline fares, giving the Federal Reserve room to keep interest rates unchanged next week while monitoring the economic impact of a trade war.