Inflation picks up on higher food prices
14 March 2007
Inflation picked up in China last month and economists warned it
could pick up steam alongside the economy, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The consumer-price index rose 2.7% in February from 2006, according to figures
from the National Bureau of Statistics. In January, the CPI rose 2.2%.
Economists and officials have not, so far, shown much worry, saying the rise
has been caused by tight supplies of grain and not widespread price increases.
Food prices rose 6%, much higher than the average 1% hike among non-food items.
Some economic indicators slowed last month but the economy may be picking up
again. New figures Monday showed China's trade surplus soared in February
to US$23.76 billion, its second-highest level on record.