China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.6% year on year in the first three quarters of 2026, reaching 107.1 trillion yuan (US$16 trillion), according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.
The NBS said the Chinese economy maintained steady development despite economic pressures.
Value-added industrial output of major enterprises increased by 5.3% year on year between January and September. Equipment manufacturing grew by 10.2%, while high-tech manufacturing recorded a 14.3% increase.
Production of 3D printing equipment surged by 62.5%, lithium-ion batteries rose by 39.5%, and industrial robot output increased by 29.1%, reflecting growth in several advanced manufacturing sectors.
The service sector also recorded growth, with value added increasing by 5.2% year on year. Leasing and business services grew by 12.3%, while information transmission, software and information technology services rose by 10.4%. Financial services increased by 5.8%, and accommodation and catering services grew by 5.5%.
Total retail sales of goods and services, a key indicator of domestic consumption, increased by 2.6% over the same period.
Business activity indices for telecommunications, broadcasting, television and satellite transmission services, monetary and financial services, and insurance all exceeded 55%. Readings above 50% indicate expansion in business activity.
China’s foreign trade also recorded growth during the first three quarters of 2026. Total imports and exports of goods rose by 18.8% year on year to 39.9 trillion yuan. Trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 17.1%.
However, fixed-asset investment, excluding investment by rural households, declined by 7.2% between January and September.
Investment in innovation-related sectors showed more positive results. Investment in intellectual property products increased by 9.3% year on year, while investment in high-tech industries grew by 4.9%.
The latest figures highlight mixed performance across China’s economy, with growth in industrial production, services and foreign trade alongside a decline in overall fixed-asset investment.