China Consumer Prices Drop 0.1% for Second Month

China's consumer prices fell for the second consecutive month in March, with a 0.1 percent year-on-year decline, driven by lower costs in beef, fresh vegetables, and automobiles. This decline follows a 0.7 percent drop in February and comes amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, which have intensified tariff pressures. The producer price index also dropped 2.5 percent year-on-year, marking the 29th consecutive month of decline. Despite an increase in core inflation, which rose 0.5 percent, the overall economic outlook remains uncertain as domestic consumption struggles to recover. Economists suggest that deflationary pressures could worsen as reduced demand may lead to lower production and employment. The Chinese government is under pressure to implement effective measures to stimulate consumption and stabilize prices.