BEIJING — China’s economy grew 4.5% from a year earlier in the third quarter of 2026, up from 4.3% in the second quarter, according to preliminary National Bureau of Statistics figures released October 19.

Output increased 1.2% from the previous quarter. Across January–September, real GDP was 4.6% higher than a year earlier.

Investment remains weak

The same release reported a 7.2% year-on-year decline in fixed-asset investment, excluding rural households, over the first nine months. Property-development investment fell 20.6% during that period.

September retail sales of consumer goods rose 1.1% from a year earlier. The bureau acknowledged that insufficient domestic demand remained a concern.

GDP growth is adjusted for prices; the retail-sales figures are nominal. The quarterly and nine-month measures describe different periods.

Canadian trade context

Global Affairs Canada’s April 16 statement identified China as Canada’s second-largest single-country merchandise trading partner, citing 2025 trade data. China’s aggregate GDP release is not a forecast of Canadian export sales.

Sources: NBS’s full October 19 release via China’s State Council; Global Affairs Canada’s April 16 trade statement.

Lead image: Flag of China, designed by Zeng Liansong, via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Geographic illustration, not a photograph of economic activity or the statistical announcement.