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China GDP: Economic growth slows less than expected in face of Trump tariffs | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
China's economy has slowed in the face of trade turmoil triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariffs and a prolonged crisis in the property market weigh on growth. | |
Official figures show the world's second largest economy grew by 5.2% in the three months to the end of June, compared to the same time last year. That's down from 5.4% in the previous quarter. | Official figures show the world's second largest economy grew by 5.2% in the three months to the end of June, compared to the same time last year. That's down from 5.4% in the previous quarter. |
But the country has so far avoided a sharp downturn, partly due to measures announced by Beijing to help support the economy and a fragile tariffs truce with Washington. | But the country has so far avoided a sharp downturn, partly due to measures announced by Beijing to help support the economy and a fragile tariffs truce with Washington. |
The economy "withstood pressure and made steady improvement despite challenges", said China's National Bureau of Statistics in a statement. | The economy "withstood pressure and made steady improvement despite challenges", said China's National Bureau of Statistics in a statement. |
Officials said economic growth was helped by a 6.4% expansion in manufacturing, with higher demand for 3D printing devices, electric vehicles and industrial robots. | Officials said economic growth was helped by a 6.4% expansion in manufacturing, with higher demand for 3D printing devices, electric vehicles and industrial robots. |
The country's services sector - which includes areas like transport, finance, and technology - also made gains. | The country's services sector - which includes areas like transport, finance, and technology - also made gains. |
But in June, retail sales growth slowed to 4.8% from a year earlier, compared with a 6.4% increase in May. | But in June, retail sales growth slowed to 4.8% from a year earlier, compared with a 6.4% increase in May. |
Also on Tuesday, official figures showed a drop in China's new home prices in June, falling at the fastest monthly pace in eight months. | Also on Tuesday, official figures showed a drop in China's new home prices in June, falling at the fastest monthly pace in eight months. |
The data suggests the country's real estate industry is continuing to struggle despite several rounds of measures to support property prices. | The data suggests the country's real estate industry is continuing to struggle despite several rounds of measures to support property prices. |
Analysts had expected a bigger impact from tariffs on China's economy but the country remains "highly resilient", said economist Gu Qingyang from the National University of Singapore. | |
Growth was boosted by exports, mainly due to firms rushing to ship goods before potential new tariffs or changes to China's export strategy take effect, he added. | |
The second half of the year is likely be more uncertain though, Prof Gu said. | |
"As a result, stronger government stimulus might be needed. That said, achieving the 5% annual growth target still seems well within reach." | |
But some economists expect China to miss its "around 5%" annual growth target this year. | |
"The real question is by how much. We believe it will defend a floor of 4%, which remains the minimum politically acceptable level," Dan Wang, director for China at consultancy Eurasia Group told the BBC. | "The real question is by how much. We believe it will defend a floor of 4%, which remains the minimum politically acceptable level," Dan Wang, director for China at consultancy Eurasia Group told the BBC. |
A tariffs war between China's President Xi Jinping and Trump led to the US imposing a 145% levy on Chinese imports. In return, Beijing introduced a 125% duty on some US goods. | A tariffs war between China's President Xi Jinping and Trump led to the US imposing a 145% levy on Chinese imports. In return, Beijing introduced a 125% duty on some US goods. |
Those tariffs were paused after negotiations in Geneva and London. The two sides now have until 12 August to reach a long-term trade deal. | Those tariffs were paused after negotiations in Geneva and London. The two sides now have until 12 August to reach a long-term trade deal. |
Washington has also hit countries with close economic ties to China with heavy levies. | Washington has also hit countries with close economic ties to China with heavy levies. |