Consumer Pricing Index in China falls below zero in February

The Chinese National Consumer Pricing Index (CPI) in February fell into negative territory for the first time since January last year, weighing on a drop in food prices, tobacco and alcohol.

CPI decreased by 0.7% last month compared to a year earlier, data published Sunday from the National Statistics Bureau of China showed, canceling a profit from an annual base of 0.5% in January.

Reading has missed ratings for an annual shrinkage of 0.5%, according to a poll by Reuters economists.

Meanwhile, CPI in China in February fell 0.2% on a monthly basis, compared to the 0.7% increase in January.

Data comes as investors continue to look for signs that Beijing stimulation measures can help enhance that of the country economic recoveryS

China on Wednesday set the GDP goal for 2025 on “About 5%“And set plans to stabilize economic growth by helping internal demand.

Beijing also reviewed its annual goal for consumer prices inflation to “about 2%” – the lowest in more than two decades – from 3% or higher in previous years, according to the Institute for Asian Society Policy.

The new goal of inflation would act more as a ceiling than for the purpose to be realized.

Econneys to say The purpose of growth in China from about 5% this year may be challenging to achieve, especially against the background of constantly low domestic consumption and commercial dispute with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

– Evelyn Cheng & Anniek Bao on CNBC have contributed to this report.