FX.co ★ China’s Consumer Prices Flat in January, Extending Pause in Inflation Momentum

China’s consumer price index (CPI) was unchanged on a month-over-month basis in January 2026, matching the 0.2% increase recorded in December 2025, according to data updated on 11 February 2026. The reading signals that price pressures in the world’s second-largest economy have effectively plateaued at the start of the year.

The latest figure shows no acceleration or deceleration in monthly inflation compared with the previous period, underscoring a stable but subdued price environment. With January’s CPI change holding at 0.2% versus December’s 0.2% reading, the data suggest that consumer demand and cost pressures are neither significantly strengthening nor weakening on a short-term basis.

Measured on a month-over-month basis, the “actual” result reflects the change in prices in January relative to December, while the “previous” figure captures December’s change compared with November. The back-to-back identical readings highlight a period of steady consumer prices as policymakers and markets assess the trajectory of China’s economic recovery.