China Food Prices Fall for 5th Month

China’s food prices declined 1.4% year-on-year in August 2026, easing from a 1.5% drop in the previous month. While marking the fifth consecutive month of contraction, the latest decline was the mildest in the sequence. Prices fell further for fresh fruit (-0.5% vs -1.1% in July), edible oils (-1.3% vs -1.1%), and dairy products (-1.4% vs -1.5%). Fresh vegetable prices also dropped 2.8%, reversing a 0.3% increase in July. Pork prices, a key component of China’s food basket, continued to decline (-11.8% vs -13.9%), reflecting abundant supply and subdued demand. In contrast, egg prices accelerated (15.0% vs 14.4%).

China’s food prices dropped 1.5% year-on-year in July 2026, following a 1.6% decline in the previous month and marking the fourth straight month of contraction. The continued decline reflected persistently weak consumer demand and ample supplies, particularly for key food items. Prices fell further for fresh fruit (-1.1% vs -0.7% in June) and remained unchanged in their pace of decline for edible oils (-1.1% vs -1.1%) and fresh vegetables (-0.3% vs -0.3%), while dairy prices decreased at a slower pace (-1.5% vs -1.7%). Pork prices, a key component of China’s food basket, continued to fall sharply (-13.9% vs -15.9%), amid abundant supply and subdued consumption. In contrast, egg prices remained elevated, although inflation eased (14.4% vs 16.0%).

China's food prices fell 1.6% year-on-year in June 2026, following a 1.7% decline in the previous month, which was the steepest decline in seven months. It was the third consecutive monthly decrease, reflecting ample food supplies and weak consumer demand. Prices continued to decline for fresh fruit (-0.7% vs -1.0% in May), edible oils (-1.1% vs -1.2%), and dairy products (-1.7% vs -1.2%), while fresh vegetable prices fell after rising in May (-0.3% vs 1.6%). Pork prices, a key component of China's food basket, declined at a slower pace (-15.9% vs -16.1%) amid abundant supply and subdued consumption. In contrast, egg prices rose at a faster pace (16.0% vs 6.6%).