China’s economy expanded 4.5% yoy in Q4 2025, slowing from 4.8% in Q3 and marking the weakest rise in three years. The latest result came as December retail sales grew at their slowest rate in three years, weighed down by a prolonged property slump and deflationary pressures despite ongoing consumer subsidies. Meantime, the jobless rate stood at 5.1% for the third straight month while industrial output growth accelerated. Still, full-year growth reached 5%, in line with Beijing’s target and unchanged from 2024, helped by a record-high trade surplus as strong exports to non-U.S. markets helped offset tariff pressure and weaker fixed investment. China’s statistics agency noted the economy withstood multiple pressures and maintained a steady, progressive trend in 2025, following December’s pledge by leaders to sustain a proactive fiscal stance to spur activity. However, growth prospects in 2026 remain clouded by rising protectionism and unpredictable U.S. policies under President Trump.