Inflation China 1988

Average inflation: 18.7%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 18.7%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in December at 27.9%. The lowest inflation was in January at 9.3%.

Highest month
December: 27.9%
Lowest month
January: 9.3%
Difference
18.6 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Historical Context

Current inflation is 5.8% higher than the 5-year average of 12.9%. This approaches the highest level since records began (18.7% in 1988).

5-year average
12.9%
10-year average
12.9%
All-time high (1988)
18.7%
All-time low (1987)
7.2%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1987, inflation has risen by +11.5 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+11.5 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
October: +19.6 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 16.7% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €118.70 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1988

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1987
January 9.3% +4.2
February 10.4% +5.0
March 11.3% +5.5
April 12.2% +5.5
May 14.2% +6.6
June 16.3% +8.5
July 19.2% +11.4
August 23.6% +15.4
September 26.4% +18.7
October 27.1% +19.6
November 26.8% +18.5
December 27.9% +19.0
Average 18.7%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 24/11/2025.

See also