Industrial production growth fell to 4.1% year-on-year, the weakest in three years, as domestic demand and retail sales stagnated.
China’s economic recovery lost steam in April, with industrial output growth slowing to 4.1% year-on-year, its lowest level in nearly three years. Fixed-asset investment contracted, while retail sales rose just 0.2%, signaling deepening domestic weakness amid rising raw material costs and sluggish consumption.
The deceleration follows a stronger first quarter but exposes persistent vulnerabilities, including fragile household confidence and elevated youth unemployment. Property prices showed slight stabilization, but broader demand remains subdued, pressuring policymakers to consider delayed stimulus measures.
Authorities are expected to maintain a cautious stance, with targeted fiscal and monetary support unlikely before the second half of the year unless conditions deteriorate further.