Economy

Rising Vegetable Costs Keep Taiwan Inflation Elevated in September

Published 10/08/2026 15:07

Updated 10/08/2026 17:19

By TaiwanPlus

Inflation in Taiwan remained above the 2 percent level for a fifth consecutive month in September, according to Taiwan's statistics ministry. The consumer price index rose 2.73 percent from a year earlier, driven in part by higher food prices. Vegetable costs increased nearly 5 percent year-on-year after heavy rainfall hit central and southern Taiwan in August, affecting supplies. The higher cost of ingredients has also pushed dining-out expenses up by about 3 percent from a year ago, marking a fourth straight month above 3 percent. Taiwan’s statistics bureau says inflationary pressures are expected to ease in October and remain relatively mild and limited in scope.

Inflation Climbs in Taiwan

REPORTER:
Inflation in Taiwan has stayed above the 2 percent mark for a fifth straight month.

The consumer price index rose 2.73 percent in September compared to a year before, the biggest jump in over two and a half years. The statistics bureau attributed some of the increase to the cost of fresh produce, up nearly 5 percent compared to a year earlier following heavy rains in August. The bureau also noted a 12 percent annual increase in fuel costs and a 13 percent rise in airfares, both related to the war in Iran.

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September Inflation Driven by Produce Prices

REPORTER:
Inflation in Taiwan has stayed above 2 percent for a fifth straight month after severe weather drove up fresh produce costs.

The consumer price index rose 2.73 percent in September from a year earlier, the biggest jump since March 2024. Vegetable costs jumped nearly 5 percent year-on-year following heavy rain in central and southern Taiwan during August. That has driven up the cost of dining out by 3.04 percent year-on-year, topping 3 percent for a fourth straight month. The statistics bureau expects inflationary pressures to moderate in October, saying increases remain mild and not widespread.