China GDP Q3 2026 4.5%

Data published by China’s National Bureau of Statistics shows that China’s GDP grew by 4.5 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, accelerating from 4.3 per cent in the second quarter and exceeding market expectations of 4.4 per cent.

Economic growth was supported by recent policy easing and resilient exports, particularly of AI-related components, high-tech manufactured goods and electric vehicles. For the first nine months of 2026, the Chinese economy expanded by 4.6 per cent year-on-year, remaining within the government’s full-year growth target of 4.5–5.0 per cent.

Industrial production strengthened in September, with industrial output increasing by 5.5 per cent year-on-year, marking its fastest growth in six months. Manufacturing activity remained a key contributor to economic performance, supported by strong demand for high-tech products and advanced industrial goods.

Retail sales also improved in September, recording year-on-year growth of 1.1 per cent, their fastest increase in six months. The improvement partly reflected the boost from the Golden Week holiday period, although domestic consumption remained relatively weak.

Exports continued to support economic growth, particularly in technology-related sectors, including AI components, high-tech manufactured goods and electric vehicles. Their resilience helped offset persistent weaknesses in domestic demand.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China