从细分指数分析，甲类、乙类及丙类消费物价指数在2024年八月份的按年升幅分别为3.2%、2.2%及1.9%，而2024年七月份的相应升幅分别为3.1%、2.3%及2.0%。剔除所有政府一次性纾困措施的影响，甲类、乙类及丙类消费物价指数在2024年八月份的按年升幅分别为1.1%、1.2%及1.3%，在2024年七月份的升幅则分别为1.0%、1.2%及1.4%。On September 20th, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department released the consumer price index for August 2024.
According to the Composite Consumer Price Index, the overall consumer prices in August 2024 rose by 2.5% compared to the same month a year ago, the same increase as in July 2024. Excluding the impact of all one-off relief measures by the government, the Composite Consumer Price Index increased by 1.2% on an annual basis (i.e., the basic inflation rate) in August 2024, also the same increase as in July 2024.
The seasonally adjusted Composite Consumer Price Index had an average monthly increase of 0.6% for the three months ending in August 2024, the same increase as the three months ending in July 2024. Excluding the impact of all one-off relief measures by the government, the corresponding increase was 0.2%.
In terms of the sub-indices, the annual increases for Class A, Class B, and Class C Consumer Price Indices in August 2024 were 3.2%, 2.2%, and 1.9% respectively, compared to the corresponding increases of 3.1%, 2.3%, and 2.0% in July 2024. Excluding the impact of all one-off relief measures by the government, the annual increases for Class A, Class B, and Class C Consumer Price Indices in August 2024 were 1.1%, 1.2%, and 1.3% respectively, while the increases in July 2024 were 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.4%, respectively.
The seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Indices for Class A, Class B, and Class C had average monthly increases of 0.8%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively for the three months ending in August 2024, the same as the three months ending in July 2024. Excluding the impact of all one-off relief measures by the government, the average monthly increases of the seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Indices for Class A, Class B, and Class C were 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.2% respectively for the three months ending in August 2024, while the corresponding increases for the three months ending in July 2024 were all 0.2%.
Among the components of the Composite Consumer Price Index, the categories that recorded annual increases in prices in August 2024 were Tobacco and Liquor (up 20.8%), Electrical Utilities, Gas and Water (up 4.8%), Housing (up 3.3%), Transportation (up 2.8%), Eating Out and Takeaway (up 2.4%), Miscellaneous Services (up 2.2%), Miscellaneous Goods (up 0.9%), and Basic Foodstuffs (up 0.8%).
On the other hand, the categories that recorded annual decreases in the Composite Consumer Price Index in August 2024 were Clothing (down 1.8%) and Durable Goods (down 0.9%).
As of the first eight months of 2024, the comprehensive consumer price index increased by 1.8% compared to the same period a year ago, with corresponding increases of 2.2%, 1.7%, and 1.6% for class A, class B, and class C consumer price indices, respectively. Excluding the impact of all one-time government relief measures, the corresponding increases were 1.0%, 0.9%, 1.1%, and 1.3%.
For the three months ending in August 2024, the comprehensive consumer price index increased by 2.1% compared to the same period a year ago, while the class A, class B, and class C consumer price indices increased by 2.7%, 1.9%, and 1.8%, respectively. Excluding the impact of all one-time government relief measures, the corresponding increases were 1.1%, 1.0%, 1.1%, and 1.3%.
For the twelve months ending in August 2024, the comprehensive consumer price index increased by an average of 2.0% compared to the same period a year ago, with corresponding increases of 2.4%, 1.9%, and 1.8% for class A, class B, and class C consumer price indices, respectively. Excluding the impact of all one-time government relief measures, the corresponding increases were 1.2%, 1.1%, 1.2%, and 1.5%.
A government spokesperson in Hong Kong stated that the basic consumer price inflation in August remained at a mild level. Prices for dining out and takeaway increased annually, but the rate of increase slowed down, while the prices of basic food continued to rise slightly. Prices related to energy projects continued to decline significantly, and the price pressure on other major components remained largely under control.
Looking ahead, inflation should remain mild in the short term overall. Local costs may face some moderate upward pressure as Hong Kong's economy continues to grow. External price pressures are expected to slow down, although geopolitical tensions could bring some uncertainty. The Hong Kong government will continue to monitor the situation.