China's National Bureau of Statistics announced on Monday that the country's gross domestic product grew 5 percent in 2025 to reach 14.02 trillion yuan, meeting the government's target of around 5 percent. Despite a slowdown to a three-year low of 4.5 percent in the fourth quarter, the economy remained steady amid the US trade war.
Kang Yi, commissioner of China's National Bureau of Statistics, said on Monday that the economy withstood multiple pressures to achieve steady growth in 2025, but cautioned that external pressures are intensifying and many long-standing problems and new challenges are affecting development.
The data shows full-year GDP rose 5 percent year-on-year, aligning with the government's target of around 5 percent. However, fourth-quarter growth slowed to 4.5 percent, the lowest in three years, dragged down by domestic headwinds such as soft internal demand. Analysts noted the lopsided growth, with robust exports contrasting weak domestic demand, though the services sector emerged as a bright spot.
Despite the unprecedented US trade war, China's economy stayed on course. Beijing acknowledged persistent issues and new challenges, aiming to bolster the economy in the new five-year plan cycle. The National Bureau of Statistics reported the total GDP at 14.02 trillion yuan for 2025.
Experts expressed concern over the imbalanced expansion but highlighted the services sector's positive role. Beijing is focusing on shoring up growth amid rising external pressures.
