German Inflation Accelerates to 2.9% in April

Germany's annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.8% in July 2026 from 2.3% in June, exceeding market expectations of 2.7%, according to preliminary estimates. It was the highest reading since April, driven by a sharp pickup in energy inflation to 8.3% from 3.4% as renewed Middle East tensions pushed oil prices higher. Meanwhile, services inflation eased to 2.9% from 3.1%, while food inflation remained unchanged at 0.4%. Core inflation, which excludes energy and unprocessed food, edged down to 2.4% from 2.5%. The EU-harmonized inflation rate also rose to 2.8%, its highest level in three months and well above the European Central Bank's 2.0% target.

Germany’s annual inflation rate slowed to 2.3% in June 2026, confirming preliminary estimates and down from 2.6% in May. It was the lowest rate since February, as goods inflation fell to 1.7% from 2.2%, driven by easing energy price pressures (3.4% vs 6.6%), with motor fuel costs (11.3% vs 18.0% in May) and heating oil prices (29.4% vs 47.9%) both rising at a slower pace. Food inflation remained steady at 0.4%, with sugar, jam, honey and other confectionery rising 4.8%, fish, fish products and seafood gaining 3.3%, and meat and meat products increasing 2.4%, offset by declines in edible fats and oils (-14.7%) and dairy products (-6.2%). Services inflation also remained steady at 3.1%, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy, held at 2.5%. On a monthly basis, CPI fell 0.3% in June, matching preliminary estimates, following a 0.2% decline in May. The EU-harmonized annual inflation rate also slowed to 2.4% from 2.7%, though it remained slightly above the ECB's 2% target.

Germany’s consumer price inflation eased to 2.3% year-over-year in June 2026, down from 2.6% in May and slightly below market expectations of 2.6%, according to preliminary data. This is the lowest rate since February, prior to the Iran war disrupting energy supplies and driving oil prices higher. Goods inflation fell to 1.7% from 2.2%, driven by easing energy price pressures (3.4% vs. 6.6%). Food inflation and services inflation remained steady at 0.4% and 3.1%, respectively, while core inflation, excluding food and energy, held at 2.5%. The EU-harmonized annual inflation rate also slowed to 2.4% from 2.7%, below expectations of 2.6% but still slightly above the ECB’s 2% target.