The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for May revealed a 0.1 percent increase in inflation across all sectors, a decrease from the 0.2 percent rise seen in April. According to Ryan Young, senior economist at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), stable Federal Reserve policies and strategic business practices aimed at mitigating tariff costs have contributed to this favorable inflation outcome.
Young highlighted that the primary factor behind the slowed CPI growth is the reduction in energy prices. “Overall CPI growth slowed to a nice-looking 0.1 percent last month, but most of it is due to falling energy prices,” he stated. Despite this positive development, he noted that tariffs continue to impact other sectors adversely, with food and housing prices rising at triple the previous month’s inflation rate.
Gasoline prices have decreased by 12.0 percent over the past year, which Young described as “always welcome news.” In contrast, electricity rates have increased by 4.5 percent over the same period, with nearly all of this rise occurring in recent months as peak summer demand approaches.
Young attributed the CPI’s relatively stable condition to two main factors: consistent Federal Reserve policy and businesses’ efforts to shield consumers from tariff costs. He pointed out that these efforts are reflected in slower hiring since Liberation Day and reduced returns on retirement accounts.
“People can pay for tariffs at the cash register, or they can pay for them in lost job opportunities and lower investment returns,” Young explained, emphasizing that tariff costs are ultimately borne by consumers regardless of how they manifest.
Some companies have stockpiled supplies ahead of tariff implementations and are currently relying on those reserves. Others are waiting for potential legal or legislative actions that might limit presidential authority on taxation. The report also indicated a decline in consumer spending in May, suggesting that some individuals are postponing purchases, thereby helping to curb price increases.