China consumer inflation rose to its highest rate since February 2023.

Consumer prices in China rose 0.8% year-on-year in December, the fastest since February 2023, while factory-gate prices fell 1.9% and core inflation was up 1.2%.

China's consumer inflation accelerated to 0.8% year-on-year in December, the fastest pace since February 2023. That rise matched economists' expectations and came with a 0.2% monthly gain. At the same time, factory-gate prices continued to fall, extending a multi-year deflationary trend. Policymakers and analysts have noted the contrast amid concerns over weak demand and strains in the property sector. Key data points: - Consumer prices rose 0.8% year-on-year in December, the highest since February 2023; monthly consumer prices grew 0.2%. - Factory-gate prices (producer prices) fell 1.9% year-on-year in December, extending deflation beyond three years. - Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, was up 1.2% year-on-year in December, unchanged from the prior month. - The official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December from 49.2 in November, returning to the growth threshold. Summary: The data show consumer inflation picking up while producer prices remain in deflation, a mix that points to uneven demand and ongoing pressures in investment and property. Officials and analysts have discussed possible easing measures to support consumption and the housing sector, but specific measures and their timing are undetermined at this time.