China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, rose 1.4 percent year-on-year in 2015, down from 2 percent in 2014 and below the government's 3 percent target. Prices grew by 1.5 percent in cities and 1.3 percent in rural areas.
In December, the CPI was up by 1.6 percent year-on-year. Prices grew by 1.7 percent in cities and 1.5 percent in rural areas. Food prices went up by 2.7 percent, and non-food prices increased 1.1 percent. The price of consumer goods went up by 1.5 percent and the price of services grew by 2.1 percent. In 2015, overall consumer prices were up by 1.4 percent from 2014.
Note:
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an index measuring changes over time in the price level of consumer goods and services purchased by residents. It serves as a comprehensive reflection of changes in price levels.
CPI covers the prices of goods and services in eight categories and 262 basic divisions which cover the living needs of urban and rural residents, including food, tobacco and liquor; clothing; housing; household goods and services; transportation and communication; education, culture and recreation; healthcare; and other goods and services.