Inflation picked up in China last month and economists warned it
could pick up steam alongside the economy, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The consumer-price index rose 2.7% in February from 2006, according to figures
from the National Bureau of Statistics. In January, the CPI rose 2.2%.
Economists and officials have not, so far, shown much worry, saying the rise
has been caused by tight supplies of grain and not widespread price increases.
Food prices rose 6%, much higher than the average 1% hike among non-food items.
Some economic indicators slowed last month but the economy may be picking up
again. New figures Monday showed China's trade surplus soared in February
to US$23.76 billion, its second-highest level on record.