The consumer price index rose 2.8% in February from 12 months earlier. Inflation decelerated but economists fear tariffs will stall progress.

Wholesale Producer Price Index inflation stayed flat in February while economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected a 0.3% increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday annual PPI inflation was 3.

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.