China’s food prices declined 1.7% year-on-year in September 2026, accelerating from a 1.4% drop in the previous month. It was the sixth consecutive month of contraction and the steepest pace in four months. Prices fell further for fresh fruit (-1.5% vs -0.5% in August), fresh vegetables (-8.1% vs -2.8%), edible oils (-1.1% vs -1.3%), and dairy products (-1.5% vs -1.4%). Pork prices, a key component of China’s food basket, continued to decline (-10.0% vs -11.8%), reflecting abundant supply and persistently subdued demand. In contrast, egg prices stayed elevated (14.3% vs 15.0%).