China’s economy continued its steady momentum in April, showcasing resilience amid global challenges. According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday, key economic indicators pointed to sustained growth.
Industrial output of major enterprises surged by 6.1% year on year, with a modest 0.22% increase from the previous month. This robust performance in the industrial sector highlights the ongoing recovery of manufacturing and the rising influence of emerging industries.
The service sector didn’t lag behind, as the Index of Services Production climbed by 6.0% year on year. The expansion reflects strong demand in finance and information services, signaling growing confidence among consumers and businesses alike.
Consumer activity remained vibrant. Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 3.7 trillion yuan (approximately $515.6 billion) in April, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the same period last year. These figures suggest a gradual strengthening of domestic demand, spurred by supportive policies and improved consumer sentiment.
From January to April, fixed-asset investment hit 14.7 trillion yuan, up 4.0% year on year. Investments in high-tech manufacturing and infrastructure were pivotal in bolstering long-term economic resilience and driving transformation.
The average surveyed urban unemployment rate for the first four months stood at 5.2%, unchanged from the previous year. This indicates that employment remains generally stable, with targeted policies contributing to labor market steadiness.
“Despite intensified external shocks in April, our coordinated macro policies proved effective,” said Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the NBS. “Key indicators showed steady and relatively rapid growth.”
Looking ahead, Fu emphasized the importance of stabilizing employment, supporting businesses, and managing market expectations. “We will prioritize high-quality development to further boost the momentum of economic recovery,” he added.
