Breaking: China’s Economy Grows 4.5% in Q3, Beating Expectations

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — China’s economy grew slightly faster than expected in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 4.5% year on year in July–September.

The figure was slightly above the 4.4% forecast in an AFP estimate and a Reuters poll. It meets China’s official annual growth target of 4.5–5.0%.

China’s retail sales grew at their fastest pace in six months in September, an encouraging sign for policymakers seeking to address a prolonged slump in consumer spending.

The 1.1% year-on-year increase announced by the National Bureau of Statistics was well above Bloomberg’s 0.5% forecast. It was the largest rise since a 1.7% increase in March.