Even with the effects of the war in the Middle East throughout the month of March, China once again records growth above 5%
China’s economy grew 5% in the 1st quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Chinese GDP totaled 33.4 trillion yuan (R$24.5 trillion), according to data released on Wednesday (April 15, 2026).
With the result, the Chinese Gross Domestic Product returns to growth above 5% after 2 quarters with growth below that mark. In the 4th quarter of 2025, the increase was 4.5%.
The result was considered positive by the government. Even with the effects of the war in the Middle East throughout the month of March, the Chinese economy was able to maintain growth within its target for 2026, when the country estimates an economic expansion of 4.5% to 5%.
The percentage was slightly above what market agents expected. The expectation was for an increase of around 4.8%. China’s stock exchanges reacted positively. The country’s main indices opened the day with an increase of more than 1%.
“The national economy is off to a good start, with development demonstrating greater resilience and vitality”reported China’s National Bureau of Statistics. Here is the statement (PDF – 310 kB).
Chinese industrial production expanded 6.1% compared to the same period last year. The main highlight in the period was China’s technology industry. The added value of equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing increased by 8.9% and 12.5% year on year, respectively.
Total retail sales of consumer goods reported an increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year – 0.7 percentage points above that recorded in the 4th quarter of 2025. Online sales grew 7.5%, representing 24.8% of total retail sales of consumer goods.
