Germany’s overall annual inflation rate, which stood at 1.8 % in December, appears to have risen again in January, according to early figures released from the individual states on Friday morning.
In Bavaria, the rate jumped sharply to 2.1 % from 1.7 %. Nearby, Niedersachsen saw an increase from 1.9 % to 2.1 %, Nordrhein-Westfalen rose from 1.8 % to 2.0 %, and Baden-Württemberg moved from 1.9 % to 2.1 %. In contrast, Brandenburg remained steady at 2.2 %, and the Saarland stayed at 1.9 %. Berlin actually fell, dropping from 2.2 % in December to 1.9 % in January.
Taken together, the federal estimate points to a national inflation rate lying between 1.9 % and 2.1 % for January-a modest rise month‑on‑month and very close to the European Central Bank’s target band of 2.0 %.
The Federal Statistical Office will publish its preliminary national estimate later today, typically around 2 p.m. Final, more definitive numbers are expected by mid‑month, though changes to the preliminary figures are rarely observed.