Food and gasoline prices are rising again as US inflation picked up broadly at the start of the year, with economists warning President Donald Trump’s tariffs against China, on steel imports and potentially against huge trading partners Canada and Mexico will only accelerate the trend.

The monthly consumer price index rose in January by the most since August 2023, led by a range of household expenses like groceries and gas as well as housing costs. Excluding often-volatile food and energy costs, the so-called core CPI climbed 0.4%, more than forecast, fueled by car insurance, airfares and a record monthly increase in the cost of prescription drugs.