China taps export strength to hit 5% growth amid domestic headwinds
China posted 5% GDP growth in 2025, meeting Beijing's target, aided by a record trade surplus of about $1.19 trillion driven by rising exports despite US tariffs, even as quarterly growth cooled to 4.5% and domestic demand remained weak amid a prolonged property downturn and a demographic drop (births near 7.9 million). Analysts warn official figures may overstate expansion and caution that the economy is two-speed, with exports propping up growth while consumption and housing drag, complicating policy as trade tensions loom.
