China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of inflation, rose by 1.0% in March 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figure indicates a stable price environment within the world's second-largest economy.
The month-on-month change showed a decrease of 0.5% in March, a typical seasonal decline following the Lunar New Year holiday period. Food prices, a significant component of the CPI basket, fell by 1.2% year-on-year, contributing to the overall moderate inflation reading.
Analysts note that the subdued inflation provides room for policymakers to maintain supportive monetary measures aimed at sustaining economic growth. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose by 0.8% year-on-year in March, reflecting steady underlying price trends.
