China's 2025 economic growth likely slowest in decades, analysts say

An AFP survey of analysts estimated China's 2025 growth at a median 4.9 percent, while President Xi said growth was 'around five percent'; official national growth figures were scheduled for release on Monday.

Analysts surveyed by AFP estimated China’s 2025 economic growth at a median 4.9 percent, which would be the weakest annual pace outside the pandemic since 1990. President Xi Jinping said last month that growth probably met an annual target of "around five percent." The economy faced notable weakness in the property sector alongside slower investment and consumption. Official national growth figures were scheduled for release on Monday. Key points: - AFP survey median estimate: 4.9 percent growth for 2025. - President Xi described growth as "around five percent." - Analysts identified the property sector as a persistent drag with no clear near-term bottom. - Official data showed fixed-asset investment slowed 2.6 percent January–November, and retail sales growth weakened to its slowest pace in nearly three years in November. Summary: Analysts say the combination of weak property investment, slower fixed-asset spending, and subdued retail growth left China's recovery uneven. President Xi's remark that growth was "around five percent" aligns with the analysts' median estimate, and officials were due to publish formal national growth figures on Monday. Undetermined at this time.