Inflation China 1989

Average inflation: 18.8%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 18.8%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in February at 28.4%. The lowest inflation was in December at 6.6%.

Highest month
February: 28.4%
Lowest month
December: 6.6%
Difference
21.8 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Historical Context

Current inflation is 3.9% higher than the 5-year average of 14.9%. This approaches the highest level since records began (18.8% in 1989).

5-year average
14.9%
10-year average
14.9%
All-time high (1989)
18.8%
All-time low (1987)
7.2%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1988, inflation has risen by +0.1 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+0.1 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
December: -21.3 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 16.8% 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 €118.80 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1989

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1988
January 27.4% +18.1
February 28.4% +18.0
March 27.1% +15.8
April 26.6% +14.4
May 24.9% +10.7
June 22.8% +6.5
July 19.4% +0.2
August 15.3% -8.3
September 11.5% -14.9
October 8.6% -18.5
November 7.4% -19.4
December 6.6% -21.3
Average 18.8%

Data source

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

See also