China consumer prices return to growth in October, producer price slump extends to three years

Core Insights - Deflation pressures in China eased in October as consumer prices returned to growth after two months of decline, while producer prices continued to fall for three consecutive years due to weak domestic demand and declining exports [1][2][3] Consumer Prices - The consumer price index (CPI) for October was reported at 0.2%, surpassing analysts' expectations of flat growth, following a 0.3% decline in September [2] - Month-on-month, consumer prices also increased by 0.2%, again exceeding expectations of no growth [2] Producer Prices - Producer prices fell by 2.1% year-on-year in October, slightly better than the expected 2.2% decline, marking three years of negative growth [3] - Month-on-month, producer prices saw a marginal increase of 0.1% [3] Economic Policies and Domestic Demand - Policies aimed at expanding domestic demand have started to show positive effects, aided by the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays [4] - Industrial profits in September rose over 21%, indicating some success in curbing price wars and stimulating demand [5] Manufacturing Activity - Manufacturing activity in October contracted more than anticipated, reaching its lowest level in six months, with significant declines in production, new orders, raw material inventory, and employment [6] Export Challenges - Trade tensions with the U.S. and weak domestic consumer confidence have created demand uncertainty for Chinese producers, with exports unexpectedly contracting in October [7] - Shipments to the U.S. experienced a 25% decline, marking the seventh consecutive month of double-digit decreases [7] Future Outlook - A potential easing of export challenges may arise from a trade truce agreed upon by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping [8] - China's leadership emphasized the need to boost domestic consumption while balancing it with effective investment strategies [9]