2019.05.0707:59:00UTC+00Taiwan Inflation At 6-Month High; Exports Fall Further

Taiwan's consumer price inflation rose to the highest level in six months in April, data from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics showed on Tuesday.

The consumer price index rose 0.6 percent year-on-year in April, following a 0.56 percent rise in March. Economists had expected a 0.5 percent rise.

Prices of vegetables, eggs, fuels and lubricants, water, electricity and gas supply rose in April.

Meanwhile, prices of fruits and communication fees declined.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.75 percent in April.

From January to April, inflation increased 0.40 percent and the core CPI rose 0.47 percent from a year ago.

Further, data showed that wholesale prices rose 0.58 percent annually and increased 0.40 percent from the previous month.

Separate data from the finance ministry showed that the exports declined further and imports slowed in April.

Merchandise exports fell 3.3 percent year-on-year in April, following a 4.4 percent decline in March, in line with economists' expectation.

Imports climbed 2.6 percent annually in April, after a 6.6 percent increase in the previous month. Economists had expected a 2.9 percent rise.

The trade balance recorded a surplus of US$ 2.68 billion in April. Economists had expected a US$ 3.10 billion surplus.