China retail sales slow as industrial output beats forecasts

Data highlights struggle to boost demand as property slump clouds future

20240517 shanghai shop

Pedestrians in Shanghai. Total retail sales of consumer goods were up 2.3% in April, short of a forecast of 3.8%. © Reuters

GRACE LI, Nikkei staff writer

HONG KONG -- China's industrial production expanded more than expected in April, while growth in retail sales and investment slowed, government data published on Friday showed amid close scrutiny of the country's manufacturing capacity and domestic demand.

Industrial output grew 6.7% from the same period last year, well above a forecast of 5.5% from analysts polled by Reuters. The reading was aided by an 11.3% jump in high-tech manufacturing.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.