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Economy /

Economic Indicators

People ride bicycles through an intersection in Beijing on October 19, 2026. Photo: EPA
China economy

China’s private sector wages waver as gap widens with non-private firms

Tibet and Xinjiang continue to outshine some richer coastal provinces on wages as regional disparities remain stark.

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China birth rate

As births decline across China, 1 in 8 are born in Guangdong. What’s the secret?

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China manufacturing

Factory-gate prices are key for China, but is this rebound a flash in the pan?

China jobs

China’s youth unemployment rate edges down slightly but job market still tough

Weighed down by weak domestic demand and fierce competition, job creation remained sluggish in September.

Representatives from 432 companies attended an autumn career fair for graduates from five universities in northeastern China at Harbin Engineering University on Monday. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
Representatives from 432 companies attended an autumn career fair for graduates from five universities in northeastern China at Harbin Engineering University on Monday. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
China GDP

China’s economy grows 4.5% in third quarter, staying on track for annual target

GDP growth picked up pace from the second quarter’s 4.3 per cent expansion, beating expectations and putting year’s goal in sight.

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China trade

China export surge sets up another record annual trade surplus

A 36.3 per cent jump in September exports means China’s annual trade surplus is set to break US$1 trillion for the second year in a row.

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China exports

China’s exports surge by 36% in September, riding wave of tech demand

The country is on track for another all-time high trade surplus this year as imports and exports blow past forecasts in September.

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Freight trucks at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
Freight trucks at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
China inflation

China’s factory-gate prices rise faster, but consumer inflation subdued

Statistician attributes producer price index growth to higher commodities prices, boost to demand from AI-related infrastructure.

China GDP

IMF revises China GDP projection down for 2026, cautions on export reliance

The latest World Economic Outlook report warns export strength cannot bolster persistent property crisis, sluggish consumption.

China economy

State media highlights China’s economic potential following Xi-Trump summit

The 10 articles ran under the pen name ‘Jinxuan’, widely believed to be associated with the National Development and Reform Commission.

Attendees seen at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, July 17, 2026. Photo: AP
China jobs

Record graduate influx pushes China’s youth unemployment rate to 18.9%

Anxieties over AI’s growing threat to entry-level roles add to existing concerns about economic doldrums caused by weak domestic demand.

A university graduate promotes products via livestreaming in Milin, in western China’s Tibet autonomous region, on September 14. Photo: Xinhua
A university graduate promotes products via livestreaming in Milin, in western China’s Tibet autonomous region, on September 14. Photo: Xinhua
Banking & finance

China cuts US Treasury holdings to 18-year low amid global sell-off

Persistent concerns over sustainability of Washington’s finances see overall foreign holdings shrink for second consecutive month.

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China's economic recovery

Pressure on China’s economy persists in August as investment, consumption slow

The drop in overall fixed-asset investment widened last month, as retail sales grew 0.4 per cent year on year.

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China trade

China’s export growth picks up amid US, EU pressure for curbs

August data showing country on course to match last year’s record trade surplus comes ahead of US-China summit and European deadline to rein in exports.

A technician works on the production line of semiconductor exporter Chongqing Pingwei Semiconductor in Chongqing, China. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
China trade

China’s export machine strengthens in August as trade imbalance concerns mount

While Western officials still name China’s trade surplus as an area of concern, analysts said the 2026 surplus is on track to beat last year’s record.

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Workers inspect a turbine set for export at a factory in Deyang, southwest China’s Sichuan province. Photo: Xinhua
Workers inspect a turbine set for export at a factory in Deyang, southwest China’s Sichuan province. Photo: Xinhua
China manufacturing

China’s factory activity improves in August, but stays in contraction

The PMI index was up last month to 49.8 from 49.2 in July, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.

China exports

China’s strategic mineral shipments rebound to US but slump for Japan

July customs data shows Beijing easing supplies of rare earth magnets to the US while export curbs deepen Japan’s material shortages.

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Banking & finance

China trims US Treasury holdings amid Iran war, Fed uncertainty

Beijing cuts exposure to US debt to US$633.4 billion, official data shows, amid broader diversification push.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, on July 31. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, on July 31. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS
China property

China’s first‑tier new home prices flat in July, ending 4‑month rebound

Top cities in China see flat readings last month, ending a streak of improvement in the struggling housing market.

China jobs

China’s domestic demand further weakens in July, analysts bet on extra stimulus

Retail sales, a key consumption metric, trailed a 1.3 per cent growth forecast, while fixed-asset investment also weakened.

China consumption

High-spending counties offer a rare bright spot amid China’s weak demand

Lower costs, lighter debt and return-migrant capital are boosting household purchasing power in China’s smaller cities.

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Retail spending in China’s county-level economies has risen to match or surpass that of the country’s biggest cities, according to data from local authorities. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong stock market

From chasing robots to chasing profits: the numbers moving markets

Unitree Robotics, US inflation rates, gold prices, Hong Kong homes and CK Hutchison’s interim results were in the spotlight this week.

Unitree’s G1 humanoid robots sit next to a child interacting with the company's GO2 robot at a Unitree store in Beijing on August 1, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Unitree’s G1 humanoid robots sit next to a child interacting with the company's GO2 robot at a Unitree store in Beijing on August 1, 2026. Photo: Reuters
China consumption

China’s factory-gate prices growth slows to 3.5% in July amid lower fuel prices

Amid lower domestic fuel prices and weak domestic demand, the national consumer price index rose 0.5 per cent last month.

China exports

China’s trade surplus narrows in July as exports hold firm in strong tech cycle

Import and export growth readings beat economists’ forecasts, driven by higher chip prices and a jump in tech shipments.

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China consumption

In Focus | ‘Quiet luxury’: why premium Chinese consumers are embracing home-grown brands

A growing number of local brands are winning over premium consumers who prize craftsmanship, innovation and a high‑value sense of luxury.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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