In July 2026, the national consumer price index (CPI) recorded a 0.5% year-on-year increase, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Urban areas saw a 0.5% rise, while rural areas experienced a 0.4% increase. Food prices fell by 1.5%, whereas non-food prices rose by 0.9%. Consumer goods prices increased by 0.2%, and service prices climbed by 0.7%.

For the first seven months of the year, the average national CPI was 0.9% higher compared to the same period last year. On a monthly basis, the CPI edged down 0.1% in July. Urban areas declined by 0.1%, and rural areas dropped by 0.2%. Food prices remained unchanged, while non-food prices decreased by 0.1%. Consumer goods prices fell by 0.6%, and service prices rose by 0.4%.

Year-on-Year Price Changes by Category

In July, prices for food, tobacco, alcohol, and dining out fell by 0.8% year-on-year, dragging the CPI down by approximately 0.22 percentage points. Within food, meat prices decreased by 6.0%, contributing a 0.25 percentage point decline, with pork prices specifically dropping 13.3%. Dairy prices fell by 1.5%, reducing the CPI by 0.02 percentage points. Fresh fruit prices declined by 1.1%, also lowering the CPI by 0.02 percentage points. Conversely, egg prices surged by 14.4%, boosting the CPI by 0.07 percentage points.

Among the other seven major categories, six posted year-on-year increases while one declined. Notably, prices for other goods and services rose by 5.8%, and healthcare costs increased by 2.9%. Clothing, as well as education, culture, and entertainment, saw respective rises of 1.4% and 1.3%. Household goods and services, along with transportation and communication, increased by 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Housing prices, however, fell by 0.3%.

Month-on-Month Price Changes by Category

In July, prices for food, tobacco, alcohol, and dining out remained flat month-on-month. Meat prices rose by 1.9%, adding 0.07 percentage points to the CPI, with pork climbing 4.1%. Fresh vegetable prices increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.02 percentage points. Fresh fruit prices dropped by 3.8%, reducing the CPI by 0.07 percentage points, and egg prices fell by 1.7%, subtracting 0.01 percentage points.

Among the other seven major categories, three saw month-on-month increases, two were flat, and two declined. Education, culture, and entertainment rose by 1.0%, healthcare by 0.8%, and household goods and services by 0.4%. Housing, as well as other goods and services, remained unchanged. Transportation and communication fell by 2.2%, and clothing decreased by 0.4%.