Turkish inflation up 6.4% in 2010

Turkey's inflation reached 6.4% in 2010, in line with the state's target of 6.5%, as the economy staged a spectacular recovery from a severe recession.



Turkey's inflation reached 6.4% in 2010, in line with the government's target of 6.5%, as the economy staged a spectacular recovery from a severe recession, official data showed on Monday.Consumer prices fell by 0.3% from November to December, bringing annual inflation to 6.4%, the state statistics institute said.Factory gate prices were up by 1.31% in the same period, marking a 8.9% increase over a year, it said.The highest price hikes since last year, 24.7%, were in the alcohol and tobacco category, which has been the target of increased taxes, the statement said.The central bank has said it will target an inflation rate of 5.5 in 2011 and 5.0 in 2012.Turkey's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 11.8, 10.2 and 5.5% in the first three quarters, raising hope that the official target of 3.5% for 2010 would be doubled.The country went through a severe recession last year that caused the economy to slump 4.7% and brought inflation to 6.5%, undershooting the 7.5% target.