Beijing, 15 July 2026 – China’s economy slowed more than expected in the second quarter, with gross domestic product expanding 4.3% year-on-year as weak domestic demand, property-sector stress and fragile consumer confidence continued to weigh on the world’s second-largest economy.

The latest reading marked a slowdown from 5.0% growth in the first quarter and placed quarterly momentum below the government’s annual target range of 4.5% to 5.0%. The softer performance has increased pressure on policymakers to strengthen support measures as the economy becomes more dependent on exports and industrial production to offset sluggish household spending.

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Author

Rebecca Hsu

Rebecca Hsu is a Senior Economist and Lead Analyst for The Ledger Asia, focusing on the rapidly evolving financial landscapes of East and Southeast Asia. With a background in sovereign risk assessment and emerging market trends, Rebecca provides sharp commentary on trade dynamics, monetary policy, and the digital economy's impact on regional growth.

Formerly a strategic advisor for major financial institutions in Hong Kong, she excels at translating complex macroeconomic shifts into actionable insights for investors and policymakers. Her work at The Ledger Asia centers on China’s economic transition and the burgeoning manufacturing hubs of ASEAN, ensuring readers stay ahead of Asia’s shifting financial tides.