China: Inflation shoots up in February on seasonal factors
In February, consumer prices rose 1.2% from the previous month, sharply up from January’s 0.6% rise. The print reflected much higher prices for food, tobacco and liquors as well as for education and culture.
Inflation jumped from January’s 1.5% to 2.9% in February. The print overshot the 2.5% that market analysts had expected and represented the highest reading since November 2013. Annual average inflation, meanwhile, inched up from January’s 1.5% to 1.6% in February.
February’s astonishing rise in consumer prices reflected a low base in 2017 and strong demand during the Chinese New Year.
Producer inflation fell from 4.3% in January to 3.7% in February. The print was slightly below market analysts’ expectations of 3.8% and represented the lowest level since November 2016. Annual average producer inflation fell from January’s 6.1% to 5.8% in February.