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China's industrial profit growth cools as AI-linked sectors outpace
Export-focused manufacturers led gains as computer and electronics profits jumped 110%, while consumer-facing and property-related industries stayed under pressure.
China's industrial profit growth slowed to 11.2% from a year earlier on Thursday, marking the weakest pace this year, according to National Bureau of Statistics data.
Profit growth decelerated from 15.1% in June, while seven-month cumulative profit climbed 17.6%, down from 18.7% in the first half-year, as export-focused sectors benefited from artificial intelligence demand.
Electronics manufacturing jumped 110% and fibre optics soared 468.4% during January-July, while consumer-facing sectors struggled; Kweichow Moutai, China's largest liquor maker, posted a 2% profit fall.
Subdued domestic demand and property market weakness continue pressuring profitability, renewing urgency for policymakers to bolster confidence after economic indicators signaled momentum loss at the quarter's start.
Weakening domestic demand strains the $20 trillion economy, while trade tensions and geopolitical risks cloud the outlook; officials pledged additional fiscal support measures in late August.