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China’s November Data Point to Renewed Slowdown as Consumption and Investment Falter

Policy makers signaled targeted support to counter weak domestic demand despite resilient exports.

Employees work at the car production line during organized media tour at the Chinese automaker GWM (Great Wall Motor) plant in Baoding, Hebei province, China, November 24, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
An employee works on the electric vehicle (EV) production line at the Zeekr factory in Cixi, Zhejiang province, China March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo
Residential buildings under construction in Beijing, China October 16, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Residential buildings are seen along the Fourth Ring Road in Beijing, China July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

Overview

  • Official figures showed retail sales up 1.3% year on year in November and industrial output up 4.8%, both slowing from October and missing forecasts.
  • Fixed‑asset investment contracted over January–November, worsening from the January–October period, with analysts noting statistical corrections contributed to the slump.
  • New home prices fell 0.4% from October and 2.4% from a year earlier, underscoring persistent property weakness that continues to weigh on household demand.
  • Auto sales were a key drag on consumption, with November retail volumes down roughly 8% year on year as paused trade‑in subsidies and earlier Singles’ Day promotions shifted purchases into October.
  • Authorities flagged counter‑cyclical measures, including plans for ultra‑long bonds and consumer trade‑in programs, while a record trade surplus has supported growth but intensified trade tensions in Europe and Mexico.