Consumer prices fell in China in February for the first time in 13 months, as persistent weak demand was compounded by the early timing of the Lunar New Year holiday.

China’s consumer prices fell in February for the first time in 13 months, in data that was distorted by seasonal factors but suggests deflationary pressures continue to weigh on the world’s second-largest economy.

Consumer prices in China fell last month for the first time in a year, with authorities in the world's second-largest economy struggling to kickstart spending and trade headwinds intensifying as

The data comes as investors continue to look for signs that Beijing's stimulus measures can help to boost the country's struggling economic recovery.