Core Insights - The core inflation rate in the U.S. for December increased by 2.6% year-on-year, which is lower than expected [1] - Food prices have significantly risen, contradicting claims from the Trump administration that grocery prices are decreasing [3][13] Food Price Trends - Over the past year, beef prices rose by 16.4%, coffee by 19.8%, lettuce by 7.3%, and frozen fish by 8.6% [3][13] - The overall cost of household food consumption increased by 2.4% in the past 12 months, with a monthly increase of 0.7% in December, marking the largest monthly rise since October 2022 [4][14] - Despite some food categories like eggs seeing a price drop of 20.9%, five out of six tracked food categories experienced price increases [5][15] Consumer Behavior Changes - Low-income consumers are prioritizing essential items and opting for cheaper alternatives, reducing their purchase quantities and increasing shopping frequency [5][15] - Middle-class consumers are also shifting their purchasing habits, focusing on promotions and store-brand products to save costs [5][15] Impact of Tariffs and Policies - Tariff policies have had a limited direct impact on most food prices, as the majority of food consumed in the U.S. is domestically produced [5][15] - Imported goods like coffee and tropical fruits have seen price increases due to tariffs, with bananas rising by 5.9% year-on-year in December [7][16] Labor Market and Agricultural Costs - Labor shortages in agriculture are exacerbated by tightened immigration policies, affecting the availability of workers for harvesting crops [10][20] - Agricultural labor costs are a significant driver of overall industry expenses, accounting for about 50% of total spending [20] - The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a 2.3% increase in household food prices by 2026, maintaining a similar growth rate as in 2025 [19] Economic Outlook - The current inflation data suggests that while inflation is not spiraling out of control, the claims of decreasing food prices by the government are unfounded [4][14] - The ongoing labor shortages and rising costs of agricultural inputs may continue to pressure food prices in the near future [20]

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials in China shows a mixed trend, with 27 products experiencing price increases, 20 seeing declines, and 3 remaining stable in early January 2026 compared to late December 2025 [2]. Group 1: Price Changes in Major Categories - In the black metal category, rebar prices increased by 7.0 yuan per ton (0.2%), while ordinary medium plates decreased by 10.6 yuan per ton (-0.3%) [4]. - In the non-ferrous metal category, electrolytic copper rose by 6,181.2 yuan per ton (6.4%), and aluminum ingots increased by 1,827.3 yuan per ton (8.3%) [4]. - Chemical products showed varied results, with sulfuric acid decreasing by 12.0 yuan per ton (-1.1%) and lithium iron phosphate increasing by 5,080.0 yuan per ton (11.3%) [4]. Group 2: Energy and Coal Prices - In the petroleum and natural gas sector, liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices fell by 35.4 yuan per ton (-1.0%), while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose by 72.0 yuan per ton (1.7%) [4]. - Coal prices also saw declines, with anthracite coal dropping by 24.7 yuan per ton (-2.8%) and coke decreasing by 50.0 yuan per ton (-3.6%) [4]. Group 3: Agricultural Products and Fertilizers - In agricultural products, rice prices increased by 3.0 yuan per ton (0.1%), while soybean prices fell by 90.4 yuan per ton (-2.1%) [5]. - Fertilizer prices showed mixed results, with urea increasing by 17.4 yuan per ton (1.0%) and potassium fertilizer decreasing by 6.7 yuan per ton (-0.2%) [5]. Group 4: Monitoring Methodology - The price monitoring covers 50 products across 9 categories, with data collected from over 2,000 wholesalers and dealers across 31 provinces [8][9]. - The methodology includes on-site price collection, phone inquiries, and electronic communications [9].

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories shows a mixed trend, with 15 products experiencing price increases, 31 seeing declines, and 4 remaining stable in mid-December 2025 compared to early December 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Major Categories - In the black metal category, prices for rebar decreased by 22.0 yuan per ton to 3169.8 yuan, while wire rod fell by 15.0 yuan to 3354.5 yuan [5]. - In the non-ferrous metals category, electrolytic copper saw an increase of 1822.7 yuan per ton, reaching 92520.8 yuan, while aluminum ingots dropped by 65.8 yuan to 21796.7 yuan [6]. - Chemical products showed varied results, with sulfuric acid increasing by 44.0 yuan to 1057.9 yuan, while several other chemicals like caustic soda and methanol experienced price declines [6][7]. Group 2: Energy and Coal Prices - The price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) decreased by 172.7 yuan to 3919.5 yuan per ton, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fell by 4.2 yuan to 4405.4 yuan [7]. - Coal prices showed a slight increase for some types, with non-caking coal rising by 7.5 yuan to 930.5 yuan per ton, while other types like Shanxi mixed coal saw declines [8]. Group 3: Agricultural Products and Inputs - In agricultural products, the price of rice increased by 25.6 yuan to 3943.2 yuan per ton, while wheat and corn prices saw minor declines [8][9]. - Fertilizer prices varied, with urea decreasing by 1.4 yuan to 1711.8 yuan per ton, while compound fertilizer increased by 61.8 yuan to 3390.6 yuan [9]. Group 4: Monitoring Methodology - The price monitoring covers over 2000 wholesalers, agents, and dealers across more than 300 trading markets in 31 provinces, utilizing methods such as on-site price collection and electronic inquiries [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories indicates a mixed trend, with 27 products experiencing price increases, 19 seeing declines, and 4 remaining stable in early December 2025 compared to late November 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Major Categories - In the black metal category, rebar prices increased by 23.4 yuan per ton (0.7%), while wire rod prices rose by 47.3 yuan per ton (1.4%) [4]. - In the non-ferrous metal category, electrolytic copper saw a price increase of 4.7% (4059.8 yuan per ton), and aluminum ingots rose by 2.1% (449.2 yuan per ton) [4]. - Chemical products showed varied results, with sulfuric acid prices increasing by 7.9% (74.4 yuan per ton), while caustic soda prices decreased by 5.1% (-42.1 yuan per ton) [4]. Group 2: Energy and Coal Prices - In the petroleum and natural gas sector, liquefied natural gas prices fell by 2.9% (-121.5 yuan per ton), while liquefied petroleum gas prices increased by 1.6% (69.5 yuan per ton) [4]. - Coal prices generally declined, with anthracite coal dropping by 1.4% (-12.8 yuan per ton) and common mixed coal decreasing by 5.7% (-36.3 yuan per ton) [4]. Group 3: Agricultural Products and Fertilizers - In agricultural products, corn prices increased by 1.4% (29.9 yuan per ton), while soybean prices decreased by 0.3% (-11.6 yuan per ton) [5]. - Fertilizer prices showed an upward trend, with urea prices rising by 2.2% (36.5 yuan per ton) and compound fertilizer prices increasing by 2.2% (72.4 yuan per ton) [5]. Group 4: Monitoring Methodology - The price monitoring includes data from over 2,000 wholesalers, agents, and distributors across more than 300 trading markets in 31 provinces [7]. - The methodology for price collection involves on-site price sampling, telephone inquiries, and electronic communications [8].

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories indicates a mixed trend, with 15 products experiencing price increases, 30 seeing declines, and 5 remaining stable in late November 2025 compared to mid-November 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Black Metals - Rebar (Φ20mm, HRB400E) price is 3168.4 CNY per ton, up by 29.4 CNY (0.9%) [5] - Wire rod (Φ8-10mm, HPB300) price is 3322.2 CNY per ton, up by 39.6 CNY [5] - Ordinary medium plate (20mm, Q235) price is 3387.4 CNY per ton, down by 6.3 CNY (-0.2%) [5] - Hot-rolled ordinary plate (4.75-11.5mm, Q235) price is 3294.9 CNY per ton, up by 5.9 CNY (0.2%) [5] - Seamless steel pipe (219*6, 20) price is 4068.8 CNY per ton, unchanged [5] - Angle steel (5) price is 3431.4 CNY per ton, up by 8.1 CNY (0.2%) [5] Group 2: Price Changes in Non-Ferrous Metals - Electrolytic copper (1) price is 86638.3 CNY per ton, up by 2.0 CNY [6] - Aluminum ingot (A00) price is 21413.3 CNY per ton, down by 246.7 CNY (-1.1%) [6] - Lead ingot (1) price is 16979.2 CNY per ton, down by 295.8 CNY (-1.7%) [6] - Zinc ingot (0) price is 22398.3 CNY per ton, down by 85.5 CNY (-0.4%) [6] Group 3: Price Changes in Chemical Products - Sulfuric acid (98%) price is 939.5 CNY per ton, up by 72.6 CNY [6] - Caustic soda (liquid, 32%) price is 825.1 CNY per ton, down by 20.9 CNY (-2.5%) [6] - Methanol (first grade) price is 2059.5 CNY per ton, up by 21.0 CNY (1.0%) [6] - Pure benzene (industrial grade) price is 5313.6 CNY per ton, down by 26.0 CNY [6] - Styrene (first grade) price is 6531.0 CNY per ton, up by 100.8 CNY (1.6%) [6] Group 4: Price Changes in Energy Products - Liquefied natural gas (LNG) price is 4213.7 CNY per ton, down by 54.4 CNY (-1.3%) [7] - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price is 4347.0 CNY per ton, up by 13.2 CNY (0.3%) [7] - Gasoline (95 National VI) price is 8022.7 CNY per ton, down by 27.9 CNY (-0.3%) [7] - Diesel (0 National VI) price is 6883.8 CNY per ton, down by 26.2 CNY (-0.4%) [7] Group 5: Price Changes in Agricultural Products - Rice (Japonica) price is 3914.8 CNY per ton, up by 1.5 CNY [8] - Wheat (National Standard Grade 3) price is 2498.3 CNY per ton, up by 10.0 CNY (0.4%) [8] - Corn (Yellow Corn Grade 2) price is 2195.4 CNY per ton, up by 27.3 CNY (1.3%) [8] - Cotton (White Cotton Grade 3) price is 14570.2 CNY per ton, up by 121.4 CNY (0.8%) [8] Group 6: Monitoring Methodology - The monitoring covers over 2000 wholesalers, agents, and dealers across more than 300 trading markets in 31 provinces [12] - Price monitoring methods include on-site price collection, phone inquiries, and electronic communications [13] - The price changes are categorized based on the percentage change [14]

Core Insights - The National Bureau of Statistics reported on November 24, 2025, that there were significant price changes in the market for important production materials in circulation as of mid-November 2025, with 30 products experiencing price increases, 17 seeing declines, and 3 remaining stable [1][2]. Price Changes Summary - **Black Metals**: - Rebar (Φ20mm, HRB400E) rose to 3139.0 CNY, up by 20.5 CNY (0.7%) - Wire rod (Φ8-10mm, HPB300) increased to 3282.6 CNY, up by 10.9 CNY (0.3%) - Ordinary medium plate (20mm, Q235) decreased to 3393.7 CNY, down by 18.1 CNY (-0.5%) [3]. - **Non-ferrous Metals**: - Electrolytic copper (1) reached 86636.3 CNY, up by 427.1 CNY (0.5%) - Aluminum ingot (A00) increased to 21660.0 CNY, up by 241.7 CNY (1.1%) - Zinc ingot (0) fell to 22483.8 CNY, down by 32.9 CNY (-0.1%) [3]. - **Chemical Products**: - Sulfuric acid (98%) rose to 866.9 CNY, up by 81.6 CNY (10.4%) - Caustic soda (liquid, 32%) decreased to 846.0 CNY, down by 12.1 CNY (-1.4%) - Methanol (first grade) fell to 2038.5 CNY, down by 35.9 CNY (-1.7%) [3]. - **Petroleum and Natural Gas**: - Liquefied natural gas (LNG) decreased to 4268.1 CNY, down by 55.8 CNY (-1.3%) - Gasoline (95 National VI) rose to 8050.6 CNY, up by 50.3 CNY (0.6%) - Diesel (0 National VI) increased to 6910.0 CNY, up by 115.4 CNY (1.7%) [3]. - **Coal**: - Anthracite (washed lump) remained stable at 950.3 CNY, up by 0.8 CNY (0.1%) - Shanxi mixed coal (5000 kcal) rose to 736.1 CNY, up by 32.9 CNY (4.7%) [4]. - **Non-metallic Building Materials**: - Ordinary Portland cement (P.O 42.5 bagged) decreased to 345.2 CNY, down by 9.8 CNY (-2.8%) - Float glass (4.8/5mm) fell to 1175.9 CNY, down by 24.7 CNY (-2.1%) [4]. - **Agricultural Products**: - Rice (Japonica) reached 3913.3 CNY, up by 3.6 CNY (0.1%) - Cotton (white cotton grade three) decreased to 14448.8 CNY, down by 37.0 CNY (-0.3%) [4]. - **Agricultural Production Materials**: - Compound fertilizer (potassium sulfate compound fertilizer, NPK content 45%) rose to 3216.0 CNY, up by 67.3 CNY (2.1%) [4]. - **Forest Products**: - Natural rubber (standard rubber SCRWF) increased to 14800.0 CNY, up by 323.6 CNY (2.2%) - Pulp (imported needle pulp) reached 5572.4 CNY, up by 52.4 CNY (0.9%) [4].

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories shows a mixed trend, with 30 products experiencing price increases, 17 seeing declines, and 3 remaining stable in mid-November 2025 compared to early November 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Major Categories - In the black metal category, rebar prices increased by 20.5 yuan per ton (0.7%), while ordinary medium plates decreased by 18.1 yuan per ton (-0.5%) [4]. - In the non-ferrous metals category, electrolytic copper rose by 427.1 yuan per ton (0.5%), while zinc ingots fell by 32.9 yuan per ton (-0.1%) [4]. - Chemical products saw significant price fluctuations, with sulfuric acid increasing by 81.6 yuan per ton (10.4%) and methanol decreasing by 35.9 yuan per ton (-1.7%) [4]. Group 2: Energy and Coal Prices - In the petroleum and natural gas sector, liquefied natural gas prices dropped by 55.8 yuan per ton (-1.3%), while gasoline prices increased by 50.3 yuan per ton (0.6%) [4]. - Coal prices showed an upward trend, with ordinary mixed coal increasing by 30.5 yuan per ton (5.0%) and Shanxi premium mixed coal rising by 33.6 yuan per ton (4.2%) [4]. Group 3: Agricultural Products and Inputs - Among agricultural products, corn prices rose by 22.2 yuan per ton (1.0%), while cotton prices fell by 37.0 yuan per ton (-0.3%) [5]. - In agricultural production materials, urea prices increased by 28.1 yuan per ton (1.7%), and compound fertilizer prices rose by 67.3 yuan per ton (2.1%) [5]. Group 4: Monitoring Methodology - The price monitoring encompasses a wide range of products across 31 provinces, involving over 2000 wholesalers and dealers, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the market [8][9]. - The methodology includes on-site price collection, telephone inquiries, and electronic communications to ensure accurate data [9].

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories shows a mixed trend, with 26 products experiencing price increases, 23 seeing declines, and one remaining stable in early November 2025 compared to late October 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Major Categories - In the black metal category, prices for rebar decreased by 3.8 yuan per ton to 3118.5 yuan, while ordinary medium plates fell by 13.7 yuan to 3411.8 yuan [5]. - In the non-ferrous metal category, electrolytic copper saw a decline of 599.6 yuan per ton, now priced at 86209.2 yuan, while aluminum ingots increased by 319.5 yuan to 21418.3 yuan [6]. - Chemical products experienced varied changes, with sulfuric acid rising by 71.0 yuan to 785.3 yuan, while methanol dropped by 86.9 yuan to 2074.4 yuan [6][10]. Group 2: Energy and Coal Prices - In the petroleum and natural gas sector, liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices increased by 86.8 yuan to 4323.9 yuan per ton, while gasoline (95) prices decreased by 93.3 yuan to 8000.3 yuan [8]. - Coal prices showed a mixed trend, with ordinary mixed coal rising by 24.4 yuan to 611.8 yuan per ton, while coking coal prices were reported at 1623.3 yuan [9]. Group 3: Agricultural Products and Fertilizers - In agricultural products, the price of rice fell by 9.9 yuan to 3909.7 yuan per ton, while soybean prices increased by 49.2 yuan to 4298.3 yuan [10]. - Fertilizer prices also varied, with urea increasing by 3.1 yuan to 1619.8 yuan per ton, while the price of glyphosate decreased by 125.0 yuan to 27375.0 yuan [10]. Group 4: Monitoring Methodology - The price monitoring encompasses 31 provinces and over 300 trading markets, involving nearly 2000 wholesalers, agents, and distributors [13]. - The methodology includes on-site price collection, telephone inquiries, and electronic communications for data accuracy [14].

Core Viewpoint - Recently, the establishment of Taicang Greenze Agricultural Production Materials Co., Ltd. was registered, indicating a growing interest in agricultural production and related services in the region [1] Company Summary - The company is registered with a capital of 500,000 RMB and is represented by Sun Zhijiang [1] - The business scope includes various licensed projects such as livestock breeding, animal husbandry, and the operation of genetically modified cotton seeds [1] - The company also engages in general projects like agricultural machinery sales, agricultural production materials services, and smart agricultural management [1] Industry Summary - The establishment of this company reflects a trend towards diversification in agricultural services, including seed production, pesticide wholesale and retail, and agricultural machinery leasing [1] - The company is positioned to provide a wide range of agricultural services, from crop cultivation to waste management in agriculture, indicating a comprehensive approach to modern agricultural practices [1]

Core Viewpoint - The monitoring of market prices for 50 important production materials across nine categories indicates a mixed trend, with 26 products experiencing price increases, 22 seeing declines, and 2 remaining stable in late October 2025 compared to mid-October 2025 [2][3]. Group 1: Price Changes in Black Metals - Rebar (Φ20mm, HRB400E) price is 3122.3 CNY per ton, up by 11.8 CNY, a rise of 0.4% [5] - Wire rod (Φ8-10mm, HPB300) price is 3281.7 CNY per ton, up by 17.4 CNY, a rise of 0.5% [5] - Ordinary medium plate (20mm, Q235) price is 3425.5 CNY per ton, down by 19.8 CNY, a decline of 0.6% [5] - Hot-rolled ordinary plate (4.75-11.5mm, Q235) price is 3319.6 CNY per ton, down by 6.7 CNY, a decline of 0.2% [5] - Seamless steel pipe (219*6, 20) price is 4096.3 CNY per ton, down by 9.8 CNY, a decline of 0.2% [5] - Angle steel (5) price is 3412.6 CNY per ton, down by 4.0 CNY, a decline of 0.1% [5] Group 2: Price Changes in Non-Ferrous Metals - Electrolytic copper (1) price is 86808.8 CNY per ton, up by 1378.8 CNY, a rise of 1.6% [6] - Aluminum ingot (A00) price is 21098.8 CNY per ton, up by 192.1 CNY, a rise of 0.9% [6] - Lead ingot (1) price is 17150.0 CNY per ton, up by 229.2 CNY, a rise of 1.4% [6] - Zinc ingot (0) price is 22145.0 CNY per ton, up by 135.0 CNY, a rise of 0.6% [6] Group 3: Price Changes in Chemical Products - Sulfuric acid (98%) price is 714.3 CNY per ton, up by 59.6 CNY [6] - Caustic soda (liquid caustic, 32%) price is 869.3 CNY per ton, down by 7.8 CNY, a decline of 0.9% [6] - Methanol (first grade) price is 2161.3 CNY per ton, down by 51.1 CNY, a decline of 2.3% [6] - Pure benzene (industrial grade) price is 5414.7 CNY per ton, down by 174.6 CNY, a decline of 3.1% [6] - Styrene (first grade) price is 6437.9 CNY per ton, down by 108.1 CNY, a decline of 1.7% [6] Group 4: Price Changes in Energy Products - Liquefied natural gas (LNG) price is 4237.1 CNY per ton, up by 396.9 CNY, a rise of 10.3% [7] - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price is 4240.4 CNY per ton, down by 130.5 CNY, a decline of 3.0% [7] - Gasoline (95 National VI) price is 8093.6 CNY per ton, down by 169.4 CNY, a decline of 2.1% [7] - Diesel (0 National VI) price is 6791.8 CNY per ton, down by 88.6 CNY, a decline of 1.3% [7] Group 5: Price Changes in Agricultural Products - Rice (Japonica) price is 3919.6 CNY per ton, down by 20.0 CNY [8] - Wheat (National Standard Grade 3) price is 2468.6 CNY per ton, up by 23.5 CNY, a rise of 1.0% [8] - Corn (Yellow Corn Grade 2) price is 2152.8 CNY per ton, down by 1.5 CNY, a decline of 0.1% [8] - Cotton (White Cotton Grade 3) price is 14505.4 CNY per ton, up by 239.5 CNY, a rise of 1.7% [8]