China has closed 2025 with a significant economic milestone. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s GDP reached 140.1879 trillion yuan, marking a solid 5.0% year-on-year growth at constant prices. This achievement demonstrates China’s resilience amid global volatility and reflects continued progress in structural upgrading, industrial modernization, and high-quality development.
🎥 Watch the full economic breakdown here:
1. Steady Growth Across All Three Industries
China’s economic expansion in 2025 was broad-based, with all three major industries posting positive growth:
Primary Industry — 9.3347 trillion yuan (+3.9%)
Agriculture remained stable, supported by improved farming technology, smart agricultural monitoring, and government measures ensuring food security.
China’s grain output stayed above 1.4 trillion jin for the second consecutive year, securing a strong foundation for national development.
Secondary Industry — 49.9653 trillion yuan (+4.5%)
Industrial production continued to recover, with manufacturing maintaining strong global competitiveness.
2025 marks the 16th consecutive year that China has ranked as the world’s largest manufacturing nation.
Growth was driven by:
- New energy vehicles
- High-end equipment manufacturing
- Renewable energy technology
- Electronics and smart manufacturing
Tertiary Industry — 80.8879 trillion yuan (+5.4%)
Services displayed the fastest expansion among the three industries.
The sector now accounts for 57.7% of China’s GDP, reflecting:
- Accelerating digital transformation
- Strong demand in finance, logistics, and technology services
- Rising domestic consumption and tourism rebound
This shift shows China moving decisively toward a service-driven, innovation-led economy.
2. Quarterly Growth Shows a Stable Recovery Pattern
Quarterly GDP figures highlight both resilience and consistency:
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| +5.4% | +5.2% | +4.8% | +4.5% |
Even as global trade weakened in late 2025, China maintained overall stability. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Q4 GDP rose 1.2%, showing continued recovery momentum heading into 2026.
3. Foreign Trade Exceeds 45 Trillion Yuan for the First Time
Despite external shocks, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and supply chain challenges, China strengthened its position in global trade:
- Total imports & exports surpassed 45 trillion yuan — a historic first
- China remained the world’s largest goods trading nation
- It continued as the primary trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions
Key export drivers included:
- Electric vehicles
- Lithium batteries
- Photovoltaic products
- High-end manufacturing
- Services trade growth (especially digital services)
China’s competitiveness in green technology and advanced manufacturing played a crucial role in sustaining trade momentum.
4. High-Quality Development Accelerates During the 14th Five-Year Plan
From 2021 to 2025, China achieved an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.4%, significantly outpacing the global average and surpassing most major economies.
During this period, China made major structural advancements:
— Industrial Modernization
- NEV output and exports reached new highs
- Digital economy contributed a greater share of GDP
- High-tech manufacturing value added grew faster than overall industrial growth
— Innovation as a Core Growth Engine
Investment in research and development continued to rise, with breakthroughs in:
- AI
- Aerospace
- Biomedicine
- Renewable energy
- Semiconductor equipment
— Economic Resilience
China successfully balanced recovery with stability, managing:
- Inflation control
- Energy supply security
- Regional development coordination
- Employment stabilization
— Strong Domestic Demand
Consumption upgrade trends were evident in:
- Tourism and cultural spending
- Digital retail and live-commerce
- Healthcare and elderly care services
- High-end consumer goods
These dynamics reinforce Patrick Low’s view that China is rapidly becoming the world’s next major demand center.
5. A Successful Finish to the 14th Five-Year Plan
According to Kang Yi, Commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, China “withstood multiple pressures and achieved stable and progressive development throughout 2025.”
All major economic and social development targets were met, marking a strong conclusion to the 14th Five-Year Plan and paving the way for the next stage of transformation.
China now enters 2026 with:
- Stronger consumption power
- Higher industrial competitiveness
- Greater technological capability
- A more open and diversified trade structure
- A stronger role in global economic recovery
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