China’s economy maintained its growth momentum in the face of global headwinds, expanding by 5.2 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025 to reach 101.5 trillion yuan ($14.24 trillion), according to data released Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figures reflect China’s ability to sustain steady growth and showcase its economic resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions, sluggish global recovery, and trade frictions.
The value added by industrial enterprises increased 6.2 percent year-on-year, with strong contributions from the equipment manufacturing industry and high-tech manufacturing, which grew by 9.7 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
Production of advanced goods surged, with 3D printing equipment output up 40.5 percent, industrial robots up 29.8 percent, and new-energy vehicles (NEVs) increasing 29.7 percent, the NBS said.
Analysts say these gains reflect the country’s ongoing shift toward innovation-led industrialization and green development.
China’s total retail sales of consumer goods rose 4.5 percent year-on-year to 36.6 trillion yuan, supported by robust online retail sales of 11.28 trillion yuan, up 9.8 percent.
Government policies encouraging the trade-in of household goods continued to deliver results, with sales of home appliances, furniture, communication equipment, and cultural and office supplies rising by 25.3 percent, 21.3 percent, 20.5 percent, and 19.9 percent, respectively.
“These figures show that consumer confidence is recovering and domestic demand continues to play a stabilizing role in the broader economy,” an NBS analyst noted.
National fixed asset investment totaled 37.15 trillion yuan, a slight 0.5 percent decline from the previous year. However, excluding real estate development, investment grew by 3.0 percent, reflecting steady capital flow into infrastructure, manufacturing, and new industries.
The NBS explained that the continued reform of industrial structures and the pivot toward high-quality growth will sustain long-term investment prospects despite short-term challenges in the property market.
An NBS spokesperson highlighted that the global environment remains complex, with weak global growth, trade protectionism, and geopolitical tensions posing significant challenges.
“Despite these pressures, China achieved a 5.2-percent growth rate, fully demonstrating its capacity to adapt and overcome difficulties in an uncertain world,” the spokesperson said.
From a global perspective, China’s growth rate remains one of the highest among major economies, positioning the country as a key engine of global economic recovery.
“The long-term stability of the Chinese economy rests on its institutional strengths, supply-side advantages, domestic demand potential, and a skilled workforce,” the spokesperson added.
Looking ahead, the NBS said China will continue to expand domestic demand, strengthen internal economic circulation, and stimulate market vitality to enhance growth momentum.
“While acknowledging our progress, we must recognize that external uncertainties persist and domestic structural challenges remain. But China’s economy—like a vast ocean, not a small pond—is capable of withstanding storms and even tempests,” the spokesperson added.
