German HICP inflation decelerates to 1.8%

■ German HICP inflation decelerates to 1.8%

In 2012, German HICP remained broadly stable around 2% yoy. Since the beginning of the year, HICP inflation decelerated slightly from 2.0% yoy in December to 1.8% yoy in February, thereby hitting a 27-month. Most of the fall can be attributed to lower food inflation, as we observed a fall from 4.5% yoy to 3.1% yoy. Looking ahead, we expect the German HICP to average above 2% in 2013 on the back of a relatively strong wage growth. We should also see higher inflation rates in Germany, compared to the euro area average, once VAT hikes drop out of annual comparison in H2 2013.