September 14

Producer prices rose in Japan for an 18th straight month in August. Industries paid more for a wide range of raw materials.

The Bank of Japan says the cost of goods traded among companies increased 9 percent in August from a year earlier.

That is less than the nearly 10 percent recorded in April. Still, last month's figure remains relatively high.

Suppliers are passing on the higher costs by raising prices of goods sold to other businesses.

The conflict in Ukraine and fears about crude-oil supplies made energy and raw materials more expensive.

NHK