(Udaipur Kiran Business Desk): China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting steady recovery momentum despite ongoing domestic and global challenges. The country’s GDP reached 101.5 trillion yuan ($14.24 trillion) in the January–September period, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest figures, published by Global Times citing NBS data, show that growth in the third quarter (July–September) stood at 4.8%, slightly slower than earlier in the year but still in line with the government’s full-year targets.
Industrial and Manufacturing Growth Strong
China’s industrial sector remained a major driver of growth. The value-added output of industrial enterprises above a designated size rose 6.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters. Within this, the equipment manufacturing industry saw a 9.7% rise, while high-tech manufacturing grew 9.6%, outperforming overall industrial growth by more than three percentage points.
Production of 3D printing equipment, industrial robots, and new energy vehicles (NEVs) increased by 40.5%, 29.8%, and 29.7%, respectively, underscoring the country’s continued pivot toward high-end, technology-driven industries.
Consumer Spending and Retail Growth
Retail activity showed solid momentum, with total retail sales of consumer goods reaching 36.58 trillion yuan, up 4.5% year-on-year. Online retail sales climbed 9.8% to 11.28 trillion yuan, highlighting the continued shift toward e-commerce.
Government stimulus policies promoting trade-ins for large consumer goods have also boosted sales. Retail figures for home appliances, audio-visual products, furniture, communication devices, and office supplies rose 25.3%, 21.3%, 20.5%, and 19.9%, respectively.
Real Estate Sector Still Weak
However, the property market continues to weigh on overall growth. National real estate investment fell 0.5% year-on-year to 37.15 trillion yuan in the first three quarters. Excluding real estate development, fixed asset investment grew 3%, showing some recovery in non-property sectors.
Global Headwinds Remain
An NBS spokesperson acknowledged that while China’s economy has shown resilience, external uncertainties and domestic structural challenges persist. “Global economic growth remains sluggish amid rising trade protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and international trade disputes,” the spokesperson said.
The official added that “some enterprises are still facing operational difficulties, and internal economic contradictions remain visible in certain sectors.”
Despite the challenges, analysts suggest that China’s diversified industrial structure, strong policy support, and growing high-tech industries may help sustain momentum heading into the final quarter of 2025.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.