Exports set to continue powering China’s economy in 2026: Analyst

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0 January 19, 2026 00:47

China’s economy expanded 5 per cent in 2025, meeting the government’s annual growth target, according to official data released on Monday (Jan 19). However, growth slowed in the fourth quarter of the year, with the economy expanding 4.5 per cent – down from 4.8 per cent in the third quarter. It marked China’s slowest quarterly growth in three years. Exports are set to remain China’s main growth engine in 2026 amid persistent weak domestic demand and slowing investment, says Dan Wang, China director at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group. With 2026 marking the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Wang tells CNA’s Asia First that the country will “double down” its investment in the high-tech sector, seeking productivity gains to drive the economy forward.

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