The producer price index was up 0.3% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, while the core rate, which excludes food and energy rose 0.3%, the Labor Department reported Tuesday.
In January, PPI rose an unrevised 0.6% while the core rate gained an unrevised 0.4%.
Economists polled by Thomson Reuters expected a 0.1% rise in the headline number and a 0.2% core increase.
More than 80% of the gain in the final demand index "is attributable to a 0.4-percent increase in prices for final demand services. The index for final demand goods moved up 0.3%," Labor said.
"Prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services rose 0.3% in February, the largest increase since a 0.3% advance in April 2016. For the 12 months ended in February, the index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services climbed 1.8%."
