Consumer prices in the U.S. last month rose 5.4% compared to the same month of the previous year, the highest level in 12 years and 10 months, following the rapid economic recovery, further increasing inflationary pressure. ..
Consumer prices last month, announced by the US Department of Labor on Thursday, rose 5.4% compared to the same month last year.
The economy has continued to recover against the backdrop of widespread vaccination and national economic measures, and demand for a wide range of goods and services has risen sharply, reaching the highest level in 12 years and 10 months since August 2008. It was.
Inflationary pressures are also increasing, with a 0.9% increase over market expectations compared to the previous month.
Looking at the items by item from the previous year, "used cars" increased significantly by 45.2%, "gasoline" increased by 45.1%, and "food", which is indispensable for daily life, also increased by 2.4%.
The rate of price increase in the United States has continued to greatly exceed the Fed's standard of 2%, and if it is judged that employment has steadily improved in the future, it will be a crisis after the spread of infection. It has been observed that the large-scale monetary easing measures introduced as a response will be converted by the end of the year.
While there is a view within the Fed that the recent rise in prices is temporary, caution has been pointed out against overheating, and price trends are attracting attention.
Rising used car prices as a factor in inflation
One of the factors behind the significant price increase in the United States is the rise in used car prices due to the global shortage of semiconductors.
According to Cox Automotive, which is investigating used car prices, the average used car price in the United States was $ 24,414 as of May 31, which was about 2.68 million yen in Japanese yen.
This is about 24% higher than the same period last year.
The global shortage of semiconductors has forced automakers to cut production, resulting in a decline in the supply of new cars and the fact that car rental operators are buying used cars instead of new ones, pushing up prices.
Charlie Chesbrow, an economist who analyzes used car prices at the company, said, "While the demand for cars is increasing due to the resumption of economic activity, the situation of semiconductor shortage will continue this summer, so the supply of cars will improve. I think it will be from October to December this year. "
Business is being affected at used car dealerships in the United States.
The cost of buying a used car at a dealership in New York has increased by about 25% compared to last year, and the selling price has to be raised.
The store's dealer, Mark Rascher, said, "The lack of new cars is reducing the volume of used car transactions. It's because of the lack of semiconductors that are essential to cars. If supply returns, the business will start. It gets better, but I can't say anything now. "