China's consumer inflation rate rose to 3.1 percent in September, representing a seven-month high, as poor weather drove up food prices. Food prices increased 1.5 percent in September from August as a result of droughts and floods, according to Yu Qiumei at China's National  Bureau of Labor Statistics. More unexpected was a .3 percent drop in exports for September, instead of an anticipated 6 percent increase. Producer prices rose .2 percent, providing some relief for manufacturers.