Name: China hits 2025 GDP target, but households remain cautious
Uploaded: 2026-01-19T14:59:47.569Z
Duration: 2 min 20 s
Description: China hit its 5% 2025 growth target, but weak consumer spending, deflation and export-led gains fuel doubts over the recovery’s durability

China hit its 5% 2025 growth target, but weak consumer spending, deflation and export-led gains fuel doubts over the recovery’s durability

Beijing

China's economy grew by 5% in 2025, meeting official government targets. However, the growth has been uneven, with strong industrial output and exports contrasted by weak domestic demand, a sluggish housing sector, and a difficult job market. 

Falling prices for everyday goods and fierce competition in several industries have led to lower company profits and increased consumer caution. In response, the government is introducing subsidies to stimulate spending, while community initiatives like free meal programs continue to support those facing financial hardship.

China hits 2025 GDP target, but households remain cautious

Every night at 7pm, a queue forms outside Ru Shixin restaurant in central Beijing. It offers a vegan buffet to customers for less than $3. But after 7.30pm, those who can't afford to pay, eat for free. Zhu Beibei is among the increasing number of young people taking up the offer. My monthly food expenses are quite high, more than $200. The 23-year-old earns $700 a month, and like many in China, is trying to save as much as she can. More than 100 people come to this restaurant daily for free lunches and dinners. The current economic environment is not very good, and many people are under great pressure and facing difficulties. We hope that by providing free meals, we can help. China's economy grew 5% in 2025, hitting official targets. But growth has been uneven. Industrial output and exports are strong, but domestic demand is weak. A downturn in the housing sector and a bleak job market mean people are reluctant to spend. Fierce competition for customers has led to price wars in many industries, from electric vehicles to food delivery. The prices have been declining for three years, eating into company profits. Since 2023, the price of many everyday items has fallen. For example, for cooking oil, you'll pay about 5% less. Noodles, 2%. Rice has fallen by approximately 8%. Coffee is now about 30% cheaper to buy. Vegetables, 6%. And eggs, they will cost you about 11% less. That's according to government data and figures provided by official associations. Some economists say the decline has been steeper. Beijing is cracking down on what it's called hyper-competition, and has promised to do more to boost consumer confidence, including rolling out billions of dollars in subsidies to encourage shoppers to trade in old appliances for new ones. For now, Ruxishan Restaurant says it will continue to ensure there's enough food for everyone who walks through the doors. Whether they're able to pay for it or not. Katrina Yu, Al Jazeera, Beijing.

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