Mexico's annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.26% in the first half of August, up from 3.10% in July, according to data released Monday by the national statistics agency INEGI.
Consumer prices rose 0.10% during the period, reflecting modest month-over-month increases in key components. The core price index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 3.93% year-over-year, compared with 3.85% in the previous month. On a monthly basis, core prices climbed 0.08%.
The acceleration follows a period of relative stability, with annual inflation remaining within the Bank of Mexico's target range of 3% plus or minus one percentage point. The central bank has maintained a cautious monetary policy stance amid concerns over persistent price pressures in certain sectors.
The latest figures underscore the challenges facing policymakers as they balance inflation control with economic growth, particularly in a context of mixed global commodity price movements and domestic demand dynamics.
