China's consumer price index in February missed expectations and fell at the sharpest pace in 13 months, while producer price deflation persisted, as seasonal demand faded and households remained cautious about spending amid job and income worries.

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 US tariffs kick in under Donald Trump.

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.