U.S. inflation accelerated last month as the cost of groceries, gasoline and rents rose, a disappointment for families and businesses struggling with higher costs and likely underscoring the Federal Reserve's resolve to delay further interest rate cuts.

Food and gasoline prices are rising again as US inflation picked up broadly at the start of the year, with economists warning President Donald Trump’s tariffs against China, on steel imports and potentially against huge trading partners Canada and Mexico will only accelerate the trend.