KEY POINTS
  • U.S. producer prices fell more than expected in April, leading to the largest annual decline since 2015.
  • The data could bolster some economists' predictions for a brief period of deflation as the coronavirus depresses demand.
A warehouse of processed soybeans ready for shipment at Peterson Farms Seed facility in Fargo, North Dakota.
Dan Koeck | Reuters

U.S. producer prices fell more than expected in April, leading to the largest annual decline since 2015, which could bolster some economists' predictions for a brief period of deflation as the novel coronavirus depresses demand.

The Labor Department said on Wednesday its producer price index for final demand tumbled 1.3% last month after slipping 0.2% in March. In the 12 months through April, the PPI decreased 1.2%. That was the biggest decline since November 2015 and followed a 0.7% increase in March.