BEIJING :China's consumer prices declined for a third month in December while factory-gate prices extended their prolonged slide, highlighting persistent deflationary pressures in an economy struggling to mount a solid recovery. The consumer price index (CPI) shed 0.3 per cent in December from a year earlier,

The producer price index (PPI) tumbled 2.7 per cent after a 3 per cent fall in November, marking the 15th straight month of declines. Analysts had expected a 2.6 per cent slide in December.

The latest data underscores the broader weakness in demand across the economy, keeping policymakers alert to any entrenched expectations of price falls. China’s central bank has pledged to step up macroeconomic policy adjustments to support the economy and drive a rebound in prices.