China Food Prices Fall for 6th Month

China’s food prices declined 1.7% year-on-year in September 2026, accelerating from a 1.4% drop in the previous month. It was the sixth consecutive month of contraction and the steepest pace in four months. Prices fell further for fresh fruit (-1.5% vs -0.5% in August), fresh vegetables (-8.1% vs -2.8%), edible oils (-1.1% vs -1.3%), and dairy products (-1.5% vs -1.4%). Pork prices, a key component of China’s food basket, continued to decline (-10.0% vs -11.8%), reflecting abundant supply and persistently subdued demand. In contrast, egg prices stayed elevated (14.3% vs 15.0%).

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%).