China Hits 5% GDP Target But Trump Tariffs Threaten Further Growth
- Economy jumps in final quarter on policy pivot, strong exports
- Donald Trump’s return may hurt trade and a key growth driver
Retail sales gained 3.7% last month, stronger than an estimated 3.6% increase.
Photographer: Qilai Shen/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
China’s economy grew more than expected last year on a late policy blitz and export boom. The danger now is President Xi Jinping eases up on stimulus just as tariffs loom.
Gross domestic product rose 5.4% in the last three months from a year earlier, exceeding most analysts’ expectations and marking the fastest pace in six quarters. The jump brought full-year growth to 5%, confirming an estimate the Chinese leader telegraphed on New Year’s Eve.