China's economy grows 4.5% in the third quarter of 2026

China's economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, published on Monday. This growth was better than analysts' forecasts, who had expected a more modest expansion.

The increase was supported by strong export performance, bolstered by significant demand for electronic products, partly due to a boom related to artificial intelligence. However, industrial growth outpaced the rise in consumer spending and investments, which continue to show weakness.

Industrial production in China also recorded a 5.5% increase in September compared to the previous year. This result indicates an acceleration in industrial activity, having increased by 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous month, as reported.

On the other hand, retail sales advanced by 1.1% during the same period, surpassing market expectations. Meanwhile, the primary sector grew by 3.7% from January to September, while the secondary and tertiary sectors grew by 3.8% and 5.2%, respectively, according to preliminary estimates.

Although GDP growth has advanced, the Chinese government acknowledged that domestic demand remains weak and that the decline in investments in the real estate sector persists, indicating ongoing challenges for the economy.

The data from the third quarter approaches the annual growth target set by the government for 2026, falling within the lower range of that target, as reported by various media outlets.