Silver futures tilted lower in Asian trade to near early 2016 lows, as the dollar index barely lost ground, ahead of US inflation data later today.

As of 05:01 GMT, silver futures due in December shed 0.20% to $14.13 an ounce, while the dollar index dipped 0.06% to 95.20 against a basket of major rivals.

Now investors await US producer prices, expected with a 0.2% increase in July, compared to no change in June, while core prices are estimated with a 0.2% increase as well, up from 0.1%.

Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard will speak about the economic outlook and monetary policy at the Detroit Economic Club Luncheon later today, while the Fed is scheduled to release the Beige Book, containing data upon which policymakers depend at their next policy meeting in late September.

China said it'll ask the World Trade Organization for permission to sanction the US for violation of a ruling about dumping duties, while the New York Times reported that US administration is studying economic sanctions on Beijing for human rights violations.

Increasing trade protectionism around the world continues to weigh on metal prices, with US President Donald Trump threatening to impose additional tariffs on $267 billion worth of Chinese imports in addition to other planned tariffs on $200 billion.