China inflation remains subdued as exports, imports beat forecasts

14th Oct 2026 07:40

(Sharecast News) - China's consumer inflation remained subdued in September even as factory-gate price pressures intensified, according to official data published on Wednesday.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed consumer prices rose 0.9% year-on-year, up from 0.8% in August but below expectations for a 1.0% increase.

In contrast, producer price inflation accelerated sharply, with the producer price index climbing 5.0% year-on-year from 3.8% the month before. The reading was the strongest in more than four years and reflected higher energy and commodity costs.

Separately, China's trade data showed exports continued to outperform expectations in September, highlighting the resilience of external demand. Exports rose 36.3% year-on-year in US dollar terms, accelerating from August's 25.0% increase and comfortably ahead of forecasts for a 25.5% gain.

Imports also beat forecasts, increasing 31.0% from a year earlier versus expectations for a 24.5% rise. The stronger trade performance pushed China's trade surplus to $133.53bn in September from $119.09bn in August, suggesting exports remain a key pillar of growth as policymakers grapple with weak domestic demand and a sluggish property sector.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com