August Import Prices Rise 1.3%, But Remain Flat Without Oil

The cost of goods imported into the United States rose 1.3% in August, the Labor Department reported Friday.

The increase was the largest in five months and follows a revised 0.8% increase in July.

Excluding the price of imported oil, import prices stayed unchanged between August and July, the Labor Depart-ment said. For the past three months, non-oil import prices had declined, Labor said.

Compared to August 2004, import prices were 7.6% higher last month, the report said.