BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's import price inflation eased sharply and for a third consecutive month in December, data from the Federal Statistical Office showed Friday. Inflation eased to 3.9 percent in December from 6 percent in November and 6.8 percent in October. Economists expected the rate to be 3.8 percent. On a monthly basis, the index rose 0.3 percent compared to 0.4 percent increase in the previous month. This was in line with economists' forecasts. The index of import prices rose 8 percent on an annual average in 2011 compared with 2010. This was the highest price increase since 2000, the statistical office said. The index of import prices, excluding crude oil and mineral oil products, was on an annual average 5.1 percent above the level of 2010. In December, the index rose 2.1 annually and 0.3 percent month-on-month. In December, the export price index was up 2.1 percent year-on-year, slower than 2.9 percent rise in the previous month. From November to December 2011, export prices rose 0.1 percent. The index increased 3.7 percent on an annual average in 2011 from the previous year.
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