Consumer prices fell in China in February for the first time in 13 months, as persistent weak demand was compounded by the early timing of the Lunar New Year holiday. The National Bureau of Statistics said Sunday that the consumer price index dropped 0.

China's consumer inflation in February fell at the quickest pace since January 2024, while producer price deflation persisted, as seasonal demand faded while households are still cautious about spending amid job and income worries.

The data comes as investors continue to look for signs that Beijing's stimulus measures can help to boost the country's struggling economic recovery.