China GDP grows 5.4% in first quarter as tariff war darkens outlook

Front-loading, stimulus help beat estimates; U.S. says Beijing 'needs to make a deal'

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China watchers are anticipating more government stimulus measures to shore up the economy and boost domestic demand, as the country's exporters face sharply higher U.S. tariffs. © Reuters

WATARU SUZUKI

April 16, 2025 11:07 JST

Updated on April 16, 2025 12:42 JST

GUANGZHOU -- China's economy grew 5.4% in the first three months of the year, exceeding its annual target pace of "around 5%" in what may prove to be a last spurt before an intensifying trade war with the U.S. hits the brakes.

The rate the National Bureau of Statistics announced on Wednesday beat a forecast of 5.0% by economists polled by Nikkei. The pace matched the 5.4% recorded for the previous quarter.