StoneX logo

Deflation Risks Grow as China’s Prices Keep Falling

Deflation Risks Grow as China’s Prices Keep Falling

David Scutt, FOREX.com’s APAC Market Analyst, unpacks April’s weak Chinese inflation prints and the policy measures Beijing is weighing to counter persistent deflationary pressure.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Consumer prices fell 0.1% y/y for a third month; core inflation held at 0.5%
  • Producer prices dropped 2.7% y/y, marking 31 straight months of deflation
  • Fresh US-China dialogue may soften trade-driven downside risks

Persistent Consumer Weakness

April’s negative headline CPI underscores fragile domestic demand, with high household debt, a depressed property market and job insecurity restraining spending. Core inflation’s 0.5% reading—far below the authorities’ 2% aim—confirms scant underlying price pressure despite earlier rate cuts and liquidity injections.

Factory-Gate Deflation and External Links

The 2.7 % fall in producer prices, the steepest in six months, extends an unparalleled 31-month deflationary streak. Given the tight correlation between Chinese producer prices and import prices in countries such as the United States and Germany, prolonged PPI weakness risks exporting disinflation abroad. Tentative relief may come from the weekend’s constructive US-China trade talks, which ease fears of further escalation and could stabilise external demand for Chinese goods.

Follow the Global Macro Calendar

What are the major events and indicators on tap for the global economy that could charge volatility in markets and reshape deeper fundamental themes? Sign up for the updated Global Macro Calendar updated each week with a two week look ahead of the top events!

Sign Up
 
See our financial videos hub

 

---- Written by Gus Farrow

---- Expert: David Scutt, FOREX.com APAC Market Analyst

 

 

  • Currencies

StoneX TV content is created, produced, and distributed solely by StoneX Media Ltd (“StoneX TV”) and is provided for informational and educational purposes only.


StoneX TV does not provide investment, financial, legal, or tax advice and does not make any recommendation or endorsement of any investment strategy, transaction, or financial instrument. Nothing in this content constitutes, or should be construed as, investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial instrument, including securities, futures, derivatives, digital assets, foreign exchange products, or CFDs.


This content does not constitute an offer, invitation, or solicitation to engage in any investment activity.


The information presented is general in nature and is not tailored to the financial situation, investment objectives, or risk tolerance of any specific person. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for independent professional advice.


Investing and trading in financial instruments involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.


Any views or opinions expressed are those of the presenter at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Such views may not necessarily reflect those of StoneX Media Ltd or its affiliates. StoneX Media Ltd and its affiliates, including StoneX Group Inc., may from time to time have positions in, or engage in transactions involving, the financial instruments referenced.


This content may include general market commentary and opinion. It does not constitute independent investment research and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research.


StoneX Media Ltd is not authorised or regulated to provide investment services and does not act in a fiduciary capacity.


StoneX Media Ltd is incorporated in Ireland and operates in accordance with applicable Irish law. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc. and is a separate legal entity from other subsidiaries within the StoneX Group, which may be regulated in various jurisdictions. StoneX Media Ltd does not act on behalf of, or provide services for, any regulated affiliate.


This content is not directed at, and may not be distributed to, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local laws or regulations.


Supporting documentation for any claims, comparisons, statistics, or technical data may be made available upon reasonable request, where applicable.

Satellite view of Earth at night showing illuminated cities across Asia and the Middle East

Discover more insights

Our subscribers have access to comprehensive market analysis from StoneX spanning commodities, equities, currencies and more.

StoneX: We open markets

Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.

Reach

With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bi-lateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.

Transparency

As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve; our financials and record of accomplishment are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.

Expertise

From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform, to “boots on the ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.