China Producer Inflation Hits Four-Year High, CPI Cools

China’s producer-price inflation accelerated to 5.7% year over year in October, its fastest pace in more than four years, as elevated oil and other commodity costs pushed up industrial production expenses. Consumer inflation moved in the opposite direction: the CPI rose 0.7%, slowing from September’s 0.9% and falling short of forecasts, while monthly prices were unchanged. The gap reflects persistent cost pressures in industry alongside weak household demand, with higher producer costs not yet fully reaching consumers. The trends complicate Beijing’s efforts to revive domestic consumption while supporting industrial activity.