China's GDP grows 4.5% in third quarter, beating forecasts

Briefing by News4U · First published 2026-10-19 06:10:20 UTC

China's economy grew 4.5% in July-September, up from 4.3% in the prior quarter, as exports offset weak domestic demand.

China's economy grew 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, beating expectations and accelerating from 4.3% in April-June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The figure is at the lower end of Beijing's 4.5%-5% annual target. [1] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Exports, boosted by global AI demand, helped offset a prolonged housing slump and weak consumer spending. The trade surplus is on track to surpass last year's record $1.2 trillion. [2] [3] [5]

Property investment fell 20.6% in the first nine months, while retail sales rose 2.6% and industrial output grew 5.3%. Beijing has introduced targeted support measures but avoided large-scale stimulus. [3] [5]

Sources

1. BREAKING NEWS: China's GDP grows 4.5% in 3rd qtr, accelerating from 2nd qtr

   Kyodo News Business · 2026-10-19 02:01:00 UTC · Summary only

2. China’s Export Boom Fuels Growth Despite Slump at Home

   NY Times · 2026-10-19 02:16:04 UTC · Summary only

3. China's economic growth picks up as AI boom boosts exports

   BBC Business · 2026-10-19 02:22:42 UTC · Full text

4. China’s economy picks up pace at 4.5% growth

   FT China · 2026-10-19 03:05:41 UTC · Summary only

5. China's GDP rebounds to beat expectations

   RTHK Finance · 2026-10-19 03:23:15 UTC · Excerpt

6. China’s economy grows 4.5% on robust exports as domestic weakness persists

   Euronews Business · 2026-10-19 04:11:21 UTC · Summary only

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