Prices across reporting districts continued rising from early September to mid-October under the impact of higher tariffs, the U.S. Federal Reserve said in its Beige Book released on Wednesday.
The Beige Book, a survey on economic conditions based on information collected from its 12 regional reserve banks, is published eight times per year.
The survey showed that during this period, many districts have seen higher import costs and higher costs of services in insurance, health care, and technology solutions, which has led to the increased input costs at a faster pace.
Some manufacturers and retailing companies have already passed the higher import costs along to their customers.
Several reserve districts expect to see elevated uncertainty which will drag on economic activities further. Meanwhile, one district report pointed out that the prolonged government shutdown could pose downside risks to economic growth.
Higher tariffs continue driving up prices: Fed Beige Book
The hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship, MV Hondius, has now reached 12 confirmed cases, with three reported deaths, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Tedros said the Netherlands had confirmed an additional case involving a crew member who disembarked in Tenerife, Spain, was repatriated to the Netherlands and has been isolating since then.
No deaths have been reported since May 2, when the outbreak was first reported to WHO, said Tedros.
He urged the affected countries to continue carefully monitoring all passengers and crew members for the remainder of the quarantine period.
More than 600 contacts continue to be followed in 30 countries, and a small number of high-risk contacts are still being located, according to the WHO chief.
He also thanked the countries cooperating in the international response and epidemiological investigation.
The cruise, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Argentina on April 1, carrying around 150 passengers and crew members from more than 20 countries.
The ship arrived at the Dutch port city of Rotterdam on Monday for disinfection, ending a voyage that had drawn the attention of international health authorities over hantavirus infections on board.
Hantavirus cases linked to cruise ship rise to 12 after crew member tests positive: WHO
