Chinese consumer price index inflation has declined for the third consecutive month in April, while producer inflation fell at its fastest rate in six months, amid the country waging a bitter trade war with the United States. Government data released over the weekend showed that consumer price index inflation contracted by 0.1% year-on-year in April, in line with expectations, following a 0.1% decline in the previous month. The consumer price index rose by 0.1% month-on-month. This reading highlighted the continued weakness in Chinese consumer spending, which Beijing has been struggling to support over the past two years. The focus is now on further financial measures in China, which are expected to primarily aim at boosting consumption. However, the inflation data came ahead of announcements from U.S. and Chinese officials about progress in trade talks, where Washington claimed to have reached a trade agreement. A trade agreement could help reduce U.S. tariffs on China, which have been a significant burden on the economy until April.