China meets economy growth target in 2025 amid global trade pressures

China's economy held steady in 2025 amid ongoing global tariff and trade tensions, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics released on Monday.

China's gross domestic product in 2025 grew 5.0%, unchanged from the recorded GDP growth in 2024 and aligning with the country's target for the fiscal year.

China's GDP increased 4.5% year-on-year in the last quarter of 2025 easing from 4.8% in the prior quarter, but topping the 4.4% FXStreet‑cited consensus.

Quarter‑on‑quarter growth picked up to 1.2% in the three months that ended December 31 from 1.1%, also above the 1.0% forecast cited by FXStreet.

"In 2025, in the face of complex changes in domestic and global economic environment...all regions and departments strictly implemented the decisions and arrangements made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, stayed firmly committed to the new development philosophy and high-quality development, balanced domestic and international imperatives, ensured both development and security, implemented more proactive and effective macro policies, and made thorough efforts to develop a unified national market.

"As a result, the national economy pushed forward with innovation-led and high-quality development despite mounting economic pressure. High-quality development registered new achievements, and the major targets and tasks of economic and social development were achieved successfully. The 14th five-year plan got a successful conclusion," NBS commented.

Meanwhile, the urban surveyed unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in December from 5.2% in November.

Industrial production grew 5.2% on-year in December with output beating the expected 5.0% increase and accelerating from the 4.8% rise recorded in November.

Additionally, total retail sales of consumer goods rose 0.9% year-on-year in the last month of 2025 from 1.3% in November, below the 1.2% FXStreet forecast.