Record Trade Surplus, Soft Domestic Demand: China’s 2025 Growth Buffer Faces 2026 Headwinds
The source argues China’s reported 5% growth in 2025 was heavily supported by a record $1.19 trillion trade surplus, while domestic consumption, investment, and the property sector remained weak. It suggests 2026 risks include tighter external trade conditions, deflationary pressures, and policy trade-offs between stimulus-driven growth and rising debt.