economy

January 19, 2026

China fourth-quarter growth slows to 4.5%, weakest in nearly three years as consumption misses forecasts

China's economic growth slowed to the weakest level in nearly three years in the fourth quarter as retail sales fell to the lowest level since late 2022.

China fourth-quarter growth slows to 4.5%, weakest in nearly three years as consumption misses forecasts

TL;DR

  • Fourth-quarter GDP grew 4.5%, slowing from the previous quarter.
  • Full-year economic output reached 5%, meeting the official target.
  • Domestic consumption weakened in December, with retail sales growing only 0.9%.
  • Industrial output increased by 5.2% in December.
  • Fixed-asset investment contracted by 3.8% for the full year, impacted by the real estate slump.
  • Property development investment fell by 17.2% in 2025.
  • The urban unemployment rate remained at 5.1% in December.
  • China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion, driven by exports to non-U.S. markets.
  • Net exports accounted for nearly one-third of GDP in 2025.
  • Consumer inflation accelerated to 0.8% in December.
  • Producer prices dropped 1.9% in December.
  • The People's Bank of China announced credit-easing measures, including interest rate cuts.
  • Economists anticipate further monetary easing from the central bank.

Continue reading the original article

Made withNostr