China's gross domestic product grew 4.5% year-on-year in the July–September quarter of 2026, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on October 19. The result was slightly above the Reuters poll forecast of 4.4% and followed 4.3% growth in the second quarter.
Quarter-on-quarter, the economy expanded 1.2%, the official data showed. The figures suggest activity remained resilient despite pressure on parts of the domestic economy.
Growth remains uneven
The headline growth figure does not mean all parts of the economy are recovering at the same pace. Reporting on the data pointed to continued weakness in property-related investment and cautious domestic demand, while industrial output and retail sales recorded gains in September.
Manufacturing, exports and state-supported investment have helped sustain activity, but analysts continue to watch household spending, the property market and external trade conditions.
Why the data matters globally
China is a major trading partner for economies across Asia and a key source of demand for commodities and manufactured goods. Changes in its growth outlook can influence regional markets, energy demand and global supply chains.
The third-quarter figure is one data point rather than a complete picture of the outlook. Future performance will depend on domestic consumption, investment, policy support and external economic conditions.
