Inflation eased last month, but the data may offer less comfort to businesses, consumers and the Fed than it otherwise would as looming tariffs may keep prices rising.

Economists are bracing for intensifying price pressures and slower growth, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve.

US inflation slowed more than expected in February, with core inflation posting its smallest gain since 2021 — although the data was gathered before President Trump began to ramp up his tariff wars this month.