16-06-2025

China's Economy Shows Mixed Results in May

Date: 16-06-2025
Sources: cnbc.com: 2 | scmp.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image depicts a man working in an industrial setting, likely a factory or workshop. The man is the main subject of the image and is engaged in cutting a metal disc with a power tool, as evidenced by the sparks flying around him. * The man is dressed in protective gear, including: + A blue jumpsuit + A yellow hard hat + Safety glasses + Gloves + Ear protection * He is holding a power tool, possibly a grinder or saw, and is using it to cut through a metal disc. * The sparks flying around him indicate that the tool is generating heat and sparks as it cuts through the metal. * The background of the image shows: + A large industrial space

Summary

China's economy presented mixed data in May, with retail sales growth surprising on the upside at 6.4%, while industrial output and fixed-asset investment were weaker than expected. The growth in retail sales was attributed to government subsidies and consumer goods trade-in programs, but underlying issues such as stagnant income growth and a lack of social safety net continue to affect consumer spending.

Key Points

  • China's retail sales jumped 6.4% in May, beating analyst estimates
  • Industrial output and fixed-asset investment were weaker than expected
  • Consumer spending remains sluggish due to stagnant income growth and lack of social safety net

Articles in this Cluster

China retail sales, industrial output, fixed asset investment in May

China's retail sales jumped 6.4% in May from a year earlier, beating analysts' estimates for a 5% growth and accelerating from April's 5.1% growth. Industrial output growth slowed to 5.8% year-on-year, slightly weaker than expected, while fixed-asset investment expanded 3.7% as of May, undershooting forecasts. The urban survey-based unemployment rate fell to 5.0%, its lowest level since November last year. Analysts attributed the surge in retail sales to government subsidies and a consumer goods trade-in program, but warned that the recovery may be short-lived without further demand-side stimulus. China's economy has been struggling with persistent deflation, and while exports have shown resilience, the property market remains a concern, with prices continuing to decline.

Why aren’t Chinese consumers spending enough money?

China's consumer spending remains sluggish due to stagnant income growth, uncertainty about future wealth, and a lack of social safety net. Disposable income growth has halved since 2020, with most jobs not offering significant raises. As a result, Chinese consumers are turning to lower-priced products and moving away from big cities to places with a lower cost of living. A record 61.4% of households preferred saving over spending or investing in the fourth quarter of 2024. To boost spending, experts suggest measures such as increasing pension payouts, public holidays, and consumption vouchers. China's retail sales growth is expected to slow down to 4.9% in May, and analysts caution that recovery will be slow due to ongoing uncertainties.

China’s economy weathers US tariff storm in May as consumption picks up | South China Morning Post

China's economy showed mixed results in May, with exports and manufacturing still affected by the US trade war, but retail sales growing 6.4% due to increased domestic consumption ahead of a major online shopping festival and government policies to boost consumer spending.