China said its economy grew 5% in 2025, meeting Beijing’s official target in a year when strong exports helped offset weaker conditions at home. Several outlets described the picture as uneven, with external demand and a record trade surplus helping to carry momentum while domestic demand remained softer. The data also arrives as China navigates US tariff pressure under President Trump and a prolonged property-sector slump, both highlighted as key headwinds.

Highlights:

• Late-year cooling: Officials reported growth slowed to 4.5% in the last quarter, the weakest quarterly pace since late 2022, compared with 4.8% in the previous quarter.
• Trade surplus: China posted a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, underscoring how much net exports contributed to overall performance.
• Exports rerouted: Reports said exports to the United States fell after President Trump returned to office and raised tariffs, but that decline was offset by stronger shipments to other markets.
• People’s reality: Analysts cited in reporting said headline growth has not translated evenly, with many ordinary citizens still facing economic challenges even as national output rises.
• Services bright spot: Despite concerns about “lopsided” growth, analysts pointed to the services sector as a relative bright spot as Beijing looks to support the economy.

Perspectives:

• China’s National Bureau of Statistics / Chinese government: China reported it achieved its 2025 growth goal, with GDP expanding 5% and a slowdown late in the year. (ABC News)
• Economists and market analysts: Coverage described a “two-speed” or “lopsided” economy in which exports have carried growth while domestic demand and the property sector remain drags. (Financial Times)
• Chinese citizens (as described by analysts): Analysts said many households feel left behind despite the GDP gains, pointing to persistent day-to-day economic pressures. (NPR)
• Trade-policy observers: Reporting noted President Trump’s tariffs have reshaped trade flows, and other governments have considered or used measures to protect local industries from rising Chinese imports. (Michael West)

Sources:

• China reports its economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite Trump's tariffs - abcnews.go.com
• China’s economy grows 5% in 2025, spurred by exports despite Trump’s tariffs - theglobeandmail.com
• China’s GDP grows 5% in 2025 as exports offset weak domestic outlook - ft.com
• China’s economy hit growth target last year despite Trump trade war and property crisis - theguardian.com
• China hits 2025 GDP target – but quarterly growth drops to 3-year low - scmp.com
• China’s economy grows five per cent in 2025 - michaelwest.com.au
• China's economy is rising, but many citizens are left behind, analysts say - npr.org
• China says GDP grew 5% in 2025, among weakest expansions in decades - aljazeera.com