China's GDP Grows 5.3% in 1st Half of 2025

China's gross domestic product (GDP) has surpassed expectations, growing 5.3% year on year in the first half of 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday.

Better than the 5.1% forecast by many economists, China's GDP reached around RMB66.05 trillion (USD9.24 trillion) in the first half, NBS data showed.

The country has so far avoided a sharp downturn, despite US President Donald Trump's tariffs and a prolonged crisis in the property market, in part due to measures announced by Beijing to help support the economy, as well as a trade truce with Washington.

A tariffs war had seen Trump and the US imposing a 145% levy on Chinese imports. In return, Beijing introduced a 125% duty on some US goods, before they were paused after negotiations in Geneva and London. The two sides now have until August 12 to reach a long-term trade deal.

Analysts had expected a bigger impact from tariffs on China's economy, but the country remains "highly resilient," said economist Gu Qingyang from the National University of Singapore.

Growth was also boosted by firms rushing to ship goods before potential new tariffs or changes to China's export strategy take effect, he added.

The economy "withstood pressure and made steady improvement despite challenges", said an NBS statement.

The tertiary industry expanded 5.5% year on year in the first half, outpacing a 3.7% increase in the primary industry, and a 5.3% increase in the second industry.

China was particularly boosted by its industrial output, which increased by 6.4% compared to the same period last year.

Equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing sectors posted rapid growth, with higher demand for 3D printing devices, electric vehicles and industrial robots.

The country's per capita disposable income reached RMB21,840 during the January-June period, marking a 5.3% year-on-year increase in nominal terms.

"This is a hard-won achievement, especially given the sharp changes in the international environment and increased external pressures since the second quarter," concluded the NBS.

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