U.S. import prices increased 0.5% in October vs. September, as a result of a 7% jump in fuel prices. Excluding these, and on a year-over-year basis prices fell 0.2%, the slowest rate since December 2014. Whilst far from inflationary, it does little to offset the 7% jump in seaborne imports which was the fastest rate for eight months. This may mean the value of merchandise imports, due to be reported November 25, could increase on a year earlier for the first time since February.