In the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the Chinese economy indicated increased vulnerability as it trailed behind projected growth rates while consumer activity demonstrated continued reticence. Such circumstances could potentially incite Chinese policymakers to introduce additional economic stimuli.
Uninspiring performance data in the recent past, hinting towards a wavering economic recovery in the post-pandemic era, underscores the challenges Chinese administration will have to tackle to reinvigorate the economic tempo.
According to the National Statistics Bureau, the world's second-largest economy exhibited an annual growth rate of 6.3 percent in the April-June period. Although this rate surpasses the growth recorded in the first quarter, it fell short of the forecasted 7.1 percent, as suggested by an AFP poll of experts.
The moderate growth, juxtaposed with a comparably low base from last year when the nation confronted numerous Covid-induced lockdowns, still raises concerns. In terms of quarterly growth, a figure considered more reliable for comparison, the growth dwindled to 0.8 percent, significantly lower than the 2.2 percent growth observed in the January-March quarter, immediately succeeding the lift of stringent Covid restrictions.
Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the NBS, stated that the economy was demonstrating "strong signs of recovery", with market demand recovering, employment and prices maintaining stability, and steady growth in residents' income. However, Fu conceded during a press conference on Monday that the Chinese economy was grappling with a "challenging international climate and formidable reform, development, and stability objectives."
Supplementary data further corroborated the narrative of a dwindling post-Covid recovery. Retail sales, a significant parameter of consumer behavior, saw a year-on-year rise of only 3.1 percent in June, a considerable slump from the 12.7 percent hike in May.
Erin Xin, Greater China Economist at HSBC, asserted that consumerism continues to propel the economic rebound, although consumption levels haven't yet rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers. The joblessness rate among Chinese youth also soared to an all-time high of 21.3 percent in June, from 20.8 percent in May, as reported by the NBS.
In response to the string of lackluster performance indicators, there have been increasing demands for the government to initiate supportive measures. The People’s Bank of China's decision to slash interest rates and the government's commitment to assist the struggling property sector have yet to translate into concrete actions.
A cautious approach adopted by companies to expansion and hiring, in anticipation of a pickup in business activity, has resulted in languid business operations. In light of the sluggish growth, some analysts now anticipate the introduction of support measures during the quarterly meeting of China's Politburo, the leading decision-making body of the Communist Party.
With last year's GDP expansion of 3.0 percent falling well below the official target of 5.5 percent, and China's aspiration for a mere five percent growth this year, the lowest in several decades, analysts from US-based firm SinoInsider warn of the likelihood of further "significant economic decline" in China. Goldman Sachs analysts also predict the announcement of more easing measures, albeit smaller than previous cycles, focusing on fiscal, housing, and consumption issues.
