The data also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump boosted tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% overnight, up from his earlier figure of 104%.

China's consumer prices fell for the second straight month in March while producer deflation persisted, as caution grows over the economic outlook amid mounting tariff risks. The economy is off to an uneven start this year.

Chinese consumer prices continued to fall in March, pointing to persistent disinflationary pressure and adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to stimulate consumption as steep U.S. tariffs kick in.