Here’s the inflation breakdown for December 2025
The consumer price index was unchanged in December, and the inflation rate for some consumer staples like food and electricity remains elevated.
TL;DR
- The consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.7% in December, unchanged from the previous month.
- Price pressures were observed in groceries, dining out, utility gas, and clothing.
- Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are cited as a factor pushing up inflation.
- Economists anticipate inflation will likely throttle back in the second half of 2026.
- The government shutdown may have distorted some of the November and December inflation data.
- Food prices increased by 0.7% monthly, and clothing prices rose by 0.6%.
- Utility piped gas service increased 4.4% on the month and 11% for the year.
- Housing is expected to act as a counterweight to pull down overall inflation.