China’s CPI rises 1.2% YoY in May; core inflation remains stable

China’s consumer price index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, increased by 1.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in May 2026, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday.

The CPI is a key indicator used to assess changes in the cost of living and broader inflation trends in the world’s second-largest economy.

The core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories, rose by 1.1 per cent YoY during the month, indicating stable underlying consumer demand.

China’s consumer inflation remained moderate in May 2026, with the CPI rising 1.2 per cent year-on-year, signalling stable price conditions in the economy.
Core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased 1.1 per cent, reflecting steady underlying demand.
On a month-on-month basis, CPI slipped 0.1 per cent, suggesting mild short-term easing in consumer prices despite annual gains.

On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, the CPI edged down by 0.1 per cent in May, reflecting modest short-term price adjustments despite the annual increase.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)