FX.co ★ China’s economy in Q3 2025 moderates its growth

China’s economy displayed a curious paradox in the third quarter of 2025. It managed to grow by a solid 4.8%, yet emerged as the weakest performer among the year’s earlier champions. The National Bureau of Statistics confirmed the figure, noting that while the national economy sustains growth, it lags behind previous quarters — 5.2% in Q2 and 5.4% in Q1. So, markets are wondering how long it can stand still while moving forward?

This kind of performance reveals limited success: momentum is still present, but domestic demand is elusive, the real estate market is still struggling, and trade tensions with the US are causing turbulence. Meanwhile, industrial production delivered its best results in three months, while retail sales shrank sharply, showing only the faintest signs of activity.

Exports into new markets and bursts of holiday-driven domestic demand are helping prop up the economy, but the balance remains fragile. So, the risk of a further slowdown looms if Beijing does not embrace bolder measures to stimulate consumer activity.

China’s GDP has grown by 5.2% in the first three quarters of 2025. Barring any major surprises in the fourth quarter, the country is on track to close the year with the GDP growth of about 5% — a figure that might represent a golden mean against the backdrop of global uncertainty.