通胀数据快评：PPI环比止跌

Inflation Data Summary - In August, China's CPI decreased by 0.4% year-on-year, worse than the expected decline of 0.2% and down from the previous month's 0.0%[3] - The PPI fell by 2.9% year-on-year, matching expectations but improving from a previous decline of 3.6%[3] - Core CPI rose by 0.9% year-on-year, marking the highest level in 18 months and continuing to improve for four consecutive months[5] Price Dynamics - Food prices significantly dragged down the overall CPI, with food items declining by 4.3% year-on-year, compared to a 1.6% decline in the previous month[5] - Pork prices saw a substantial drop of 16.1% year-on-year, contributing to the weaker-than-expected CPI data[5] - Service items and industrial consumer goods prices remained stable, with service CPI increasing by 0.6% year-on-year and industrial consumer goods rising by 1.5%[5] PPI Insights - The PPI's month-on-month change stabilized at 0.0%, marking the first halt in decline since November 2024[8] - Upstream prices showed notable stabilization, particularly in black metal mining and smelting, with increases of 2.1% and 1.9% respectively[8] - Downstream industrial product prices showed minimal improvement, with automotive and general machinery PPI declining slightly[8] Future Outlook - The weak August CPI reflects a significant divergence in consumption structure, primarily influenced by high base effects and supply-side factors[6] - There is potential for CPI to gradually recover post high base effects, especially if international commodity prices rebound and domestic policies align[10]