Officials face tough industrial, inflation figures for August

China’s economic data showed continued slow growth in industrial output coupled with possible increases in inflation in August, presenting a greater challenge for officials seeking to stimulate the economy, The Wall Street Journal reported. Annual growth in value-added industrial output slowed to 8.9% in August from 9.2% in July, while the Consumer Price Index rose 2% year-on-year compared to a 1.8% rise in July. Beijing will need to balance any stimulus boost with the risk of asset bubbles and heightened inflation, which is projected to climb due to food prices. President Hu Jintao acknowledged China’s hurting industrial figures at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Vladivostok, Russia on Saturday, Bloomberg reported. “Economic growth is facing notable downward pressure, some small and medium enterprises are facing a hard time, and exporters are facing more difficulties,” Hu told leaders at the meeting.