China's consumer prices in April dropped year-on-year for a third straight month, as deflationary trends continue to drag on the economy.



Data released on Saturday by the National Bureau of Statistics shows the consumer price index fell 0.1 percent from the same month last year.



Prices of beef and fresh vegetables declined, along with automobiles, as consumers are becoming thrifty.



Weak housing sales also prompted discounts on furniture and home appliances, adding to deflationary pressure.



Meanwhile, the producer price index slid 2.7 percent from a year ago.



China is facing more uncertainty amid escalating trade friction with the United States, as the two countries slap each other with tariffs.



Earlier this month, China's central bank cut its key short-term interest rate as part of additional monetary easing.



The Chinese government also appears to be focused on boosting domestic demand.



The question now is whether authorities can come up with effective measures to inflate prices.