摘要
CHINA SECURES TURNAROUNDInflation in China quickened in December, with the Consumer Price Index （CPI） rising to 2.5 percent, up from the 2.0 percent registered in November （see Chart 1）. China＇s coldest winter in almost three decades is raising inflation fears due to spikes in food and energy prices. Lower-than-average temperatures in both north and south China are prompting higher demand for natural gas and disrupt- ing agricultural production. The Chinese Government is currently moving to contain rising produce prices by lowering power and distribution costs for vegetable producers and transporters, releas- ing vegetable reserves and calling on companies to maximize gas output and raise imports. Factory gate prices continued their momentum, as the Producer Price Index （PPI） fell by 1.9 percent in December, easing from November＇s 2.2 percent drop （see Chart 2）.
CHINA SECURES TURNAROUNDInflation in China quickened in December, with the Consumer Price Index （CPI） rising to 2.5 percent, up from the 2.0 percent registered in November （see Chart 1）. China＇s coldest winter in almost three decades is raising inflation fears due to spikes in food and energy prices. Lower-than-average temperatures in both north and south China are prompting higher demand for natural gas and disrupt- ing agricultural production. The Chinese Government is currently moving to contain rising produce prices by lowering power and distribution costs for vegetable producers and transporters, releas- ing vegetable reserves and calling on companies to maximize gas output and raise imports. Factory gate prices continued their momentum, as the Producer Price Index （PPI） fell by 1.9 percent in December, easing from November＇s 2.2 percent drop （see Chart 2）.
