China’s economy grows faster than expected as exports strengthen
China’s economy expanded faster than expected in the third quarter, as strong exports helped counter weakness in property and domestic demand.
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China’s economy grew by 4.5 per cent year on year in the third quarter of 2026, accelerating from 4.3 per cent in the previous quarter and slightly exceeding economists’ expectations, according to the country’s National Bureau of Statistics. [1]
The growth was driven mainly by stronger exports, the report said. Overseas demand for Chinese technology products, linked to the expansion of artificial intelligence, helped offset the continuing property-sector crisis and weak domestic demand. [1]
Growth in the first nine months of the year was 4.6 per cent. The result increases the likelihood that China will meet its government target of 4.5 to 5 per cent growth for 2026. [1]
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