China Consumers Mired in Stagflation as Prices Rise, Economy Shrinks

China Consumers Mired in Stagflation as Prices Rise, Economy Shrinks
A Chinese couple wear plastic coats and protective masks as they shop for groceries at a supermarket in Beijing on Feb. 11, 2020. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
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Commentary

Chinese consumers have suffered bouts of high inflation tied to hyper-growth. China is grappling with stagflation, similar to what the United States suffered from 1970 to 1981, as its economy continues to decouple from the West and is crippled by the coronavirus pandemic.