China Food Prices Mixed Last Week, Vegetables Rises

BEIJING (Dow Jones)--Food prices in China were mixed in the week to Sunday,
with prices of vegetables marking a fourth consecutive week of increases, the
Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday.
  Food price movements are closely watched, as food accounts for about a third
of China's consumer price index and has contributed to sharp inflationary
pressures this year.
  Average wholesale prices for 18 types of vegetables monitored by the ministry
rose 4.7% in the week to Sunday, accelerating from a 3% increase the previous
week. Vegetable prices have risen 9.8% since mid-September, the ministry said.
  Pork prices, a key culprit of inflation earlier this year, fell 1.2% and have
declined 11.7% since mid-September, the ministry said.
  Edible-oil prices held steady, while chicken and egg prices fell 0.3% and
0.7%, respectively, it said.
  Mutton prices rose 0.6% and beef was up 0.5%, it said. Prices of these meats
have been mostly rising by marginal amounts each week since mid-October.