China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, rose by 0.2 percent in 2024, with a 0.1 percent year-on-year increase and flat month-on-month prices in December, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday.
Breaking down the December data, the 0.1 percent year-on-year increase represents a slight slowdown in growth compared to the previous month, with a 0.1 percentage points decrease.
Urban areas saw a 0.1 percent rise in CPI, while rural areas remained unchanged. Food prices dropped by 0.5 percent, reversing a 1 percent increase in the previous month, while non-food prices rose by 0.2 percent. Consumer goods prices fell by 0.2 percent, while services increased by 0.5 percent.
On a month-to-month basis, the CPI in urban areas remained unchanged, while rural areas saw a slight 0.1 percent decline. Food prices fell by 0.6 percent, but the decrease was smaller than the previous month, narrower by 2.1 percentage points. Non-food prices reversed from a 0.1 percent drop in November to a 0.1 percent rise in December. Consumer goods prices dropped by 0.1 percent, while services edged up by 0.1 percent.
In December, the consumer market remained generally stable, with the core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, continuing to rise. It increased by 0.4 percent year-on-year, marking a 0.1 percentage point rise from the previous month.
China's CPI up 0.2 percent in 2024, December sees modest growth
China's CPI up 0.2 percent in 2024, December sees modest growth
China's CPI up 0.2 percent in 2024, December sees modest growth
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the country's flower market is ushering in its peak season, offering a vibrant selection of blooms at attractive prices.
In Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, auspicious flowering plants such as phalaenopsis, cyclamen, and anthurium have proven to be extremely popular with customers. Flower shop owner Guo Wei noted that sales usually peak around Jan 10 each year, which has seen him stocking up beforehand to meet the surging demand.
"Currently, flowers and plants for Chinese New Year decorations, such as phalaenopsis, cyclamen, and (red-dyed) silver willow, are seeing strong sales at our shop. The daily sales of silver willow reach around 30 bouquets. Consumers like it because its red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity," said Guo.
At a large flower market in Zhengzhou, various types of Chinese Lunar New Year flowers are being packaged and prepared to be sold across the country. According to the market vendors, phalaenopsis is one of the bestsellers, with daily sales reaching around 800 pots, and sales expected to double and peak in about a week.
Compared to last year, the variety of phalaenopsis has expanded to more than 120 types, and the prices of most phalaenopsis species have dropped by nearly 20 percent.
Flower traders in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, are also seeing a surge in sales as the festive and auspicious atmosphere for the nearing Spring Festival intensifies.
"Currently, our average daily (turnover) is between 1,000 and 2,000 yuan (136 and 273 U.S. dollars). Based on previous years' experience, we expect sales to peak by the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, with a daily turnover of around 30,000 to 50,000 yuan (4,092 to 6,819 U.S. dollars)," said Jin He, a flower vendor.
This year, customers are seeking more innovative and unique New Year decoration flowers, with a focus on bold colors, distinctive shapes, and diverse varieties.
"Phalaenopsis is available in various varieties, with imported ones having more colors. Dendrobium is also popular, with more new varieties. We sell about six to eight pots of dendrobium per day," said Wu Yi, another flower vendor.
Chinese New Year flower market ushers in peak season
