The U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in September following a 0.4% gain in August, with the annual rate reaching 3.0% compared to 2.9% in August, the Department of Labor said Friday. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased 0.2% month-over-month (down from 0.3% in August) and 3.0% year-over-year, easing from 3.1% in the prior month. The report was released despite delayed economic data due to government shutdown to assist the Social Security Administration in calculating 2026 cost-of-living adjustments. Economists note that tariff impacts have been gradual as businesses absorb inventory and estimate consumers have borne approximately 20% of tariff costs, with hiring adjustments offsetting corporate tax burdens.