China maintains steady growth in first four months of 2026, say officials

China’s economy maintained steady growth in the first four months of 2026, with high-tech and industrial sectors leading the expansion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Value-added industrial output rose 5.6% year on year, driven by strong gains in equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing, which grew significantly faster than overall industrial output. Services also expanded steadily, supported by growth in IT, financial services, and business-related sectors.
Consumer spending rose modestly, with retail sales increasing 1.9%, while online shopping continued to outperform traditional retail. Exports remained a bright spot, with total trade rising 14.9% year on year.
Officials highlighted that innovation, digitalization, and green transformation are increasingly shaping growth, while employment stayed broadly stable.
Credit : CGTN