China’s April Consumption, Factory Output Growth Slowest in Years

A worker monitors products for export at a packaging factory in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu Province, on May 18, 2026. (Photo by CN-STR / AFP)

By Peter Catterall

China’s consumer spending and factory output grew at their slowest pace in years last month, official data showed Monday, a stark sign of the challenges Beijing faces to reignite domestic activity.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Detected IP: ...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, exclusive research & analysis, news updates, and podcasts.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.