Page 3 - China Economy

China vulnerable as Xi targets overcapacity, holds back fresh stimulus

While Beijing's recent push to curb overcapacity is helping rein in the glut in steel and solar sectors, the "anti-involution" campaign is missing a stimulus spark

China's $167 billion mega dam faces setback as weak rains hit hydropower

China has increased the capacity of its hydro generators by more than a third since 2020, but so far this year their electricity production is up only 11 per cent

China's economy lags in July amid tariff pressure, weak property market

China's economy showed signs of slowing in July as factory output and retail sales slowed and housing prices dropped further, according to data released Friday. Uncertainty over tariffs on exports to the United States is still looming over the world's second-largest economy after President Donald Trump extended a pause in sharp hikes in import duties for 90 days, beginning Monday, following a 90-day pause that began in May. As officials worked toward a broader trade agreement, China reported earlier that its exports surged 7.2% in July year-on-year, while its imports grew at the fastest pace in a year, as businesses rushed to take advantage of the truce in Trump's trade war with Beijing. But that also reflected a lower base for comparison, and manufacturers have slowed investments, hiring and production as they watch to see what comes. Chinese manufacturers also have ramped up shipments to Southeast Asia, Africa and other regions to help offset lost business in the US. Still, annua

Foreign firms linked to up to 30% of China's carbon emissions, says study

Foreign companies drove a quarter of China's corporate emissions over two decades, with poorer inland provinces shouldering most of the environmental costs

China's services growth hits 14-month high in July on export demand: PMI

S&P Global China General Services PMI rose to 52.6 in July from 50.6 the previous month, marking the fastest pace since May last year

China factory activity shrinks in July, S&P index dips below 50 mark

The S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers' index for China fell to 49.5 from 50.4 in June

China's small workshops are hurting. Trump's tariffs are only one reason

The US-Chinese cease-fire left exporters with crippling tariffs, worsening a slowdown for light-industry factories caused by China's shift to advanced manufacturing

China's five-year plan enters final year: How much has it delivered?

With its 14th Five-Year Plan nearing completion, China is preparing to set priorities for 2026-30. Here's a breakdown of what was achieved

China's Li Qiang puts factory boom down to hard work, not subsidies

Li's unusually frank remarks were made during a long speech to European businesspeople at a symposium in Beijing's Great Hall of the People that was also attended by Chinese Commerce Minister

China keeps lending rates unchanged as Q2 data shows economic resilience

Most new and outstanding loans in China are based on the one-year LPR, while the five-year rate influences the pricing of mortgages

China defends growth model, eyes consumption as key economic driver

China's latest GDP data shows exports boosted Q2 growth, with a $586 billion trade surplus in H1, partly driven by exporters rushing shipments over tariff concerns

Low value, high stakes: Why nations are racing to mine rare earth minerals

While rare earth mineral trading generates modest revenue, their strategic value far outweighs market price as governments move to mitigate geopolitical risk and secure defence-relevant supply

Why is China losing its shipbuilding dominance: Trump or global slowdown?

New ship orders for Chinese shipyards plunged 68 per cent year-on-year to 26.3 million deadweight tonnes (dwt) in the first six months of 2025, marking one of the steepest declines in recent years

China's economy grows 5.2% as strong exports mask weak consumer demand

Industrial output rose 6.8 per cent in June from a year earlier, faster than the 5.6 per cent expansion forecast by economists

China's exports up 5.8% in June as tariffs reprieve prompts rush of orders

China's exports accelerated in June as a reprieve on US tariffs prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers. Exports climbed 5.8% from a year earlier, up from a 4.8% rise in May. Imports also recovered, growing 1.1% in the first increase so far this year, according to customs data released Monday. Exports to the United States fell 16% but that was less than half the 34.5% drop seen in May. After US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 245% on imports from China and Beijing responded with its own steep import duties, the two sides agreed to hold back to allow time for talks. But preliminary discussions between the two sides have yet to produce significant progress. In the meantime, the Trump administration has hiked tariffs on imports from China by 35%, pending an Aug 12 deadline for reverting to the higher tariffs Washington and Beijing have delayed for now. The recovery in trade is expected to help boost economic growth in the April to June quarter. The Chines

China's factory-gate deflation hits 2-year low amid global trade war

The producer price index fell 3.6 per cent in June from a year earlier, worse than a 3.3 per cent decline in May and the largest drop since July 2023

China's blistering heat leaves workers exposed as gig economy booms

According to The Lancet, yearly heat wave-related deaths in China have now nearly doubled compared with 1986 to 2005, with more than 37,000 deaths in 2023 alone

China plans cash subsidies for families to boost birthrate, growth

The government is set to provide 3,600 yuan ($503) a year for each child, born on or after Jan. 1 this year, until they turn three under a nationwide initiative

China ready to discuss trade tariffs and subsidies with US at WTO

Following positive trade talks in Geneva and London, China indicated openness towards discussing tariffs within the WTO

China's manufacturing activity returns to growth in June, Caixin PMI shows

Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in June from 48.3 in May, surpassing analysts' expectations