MEXICO CITY, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Mexico's annual inflation rate is seen dropping below the central bank's ceiling in December for the first time in seven months, a Reuters poll showed on Monday.

Inflation is seen falling in December to 3.71 percent, down from 4.18 percent in November and finally dipping below the central bank's 4 percent tolerance ceiling.

Consumer prices were seen up 0.34 percent in December from November, according to the median forecast of 14 analysts. Core inflation, which strips out some volatile food and energy prices, is expected to rise 0.23 percent.

Mexico's annual inflation has slid off a 2-1/2-year high reached in September, backing the central bank's forecast of an easing in the price pressures that have plagued Latin America's No. 2 economy over the last six months.

November's inflation rate was the lowest since May.

(Reporting by Noe Torres; Writing by Alexandra Alper) Keywords: MEXICO INFLATION/POLL

(Alexandra.Alper@thomsonreuters.com)(+5255-5282-7142)

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