China's Retail Sales Growth Hits 0.2% in April 2026

AI Summary

China's retail sales grew by only 0.2% year-over-year in April 2026, missing the economists' forecast of a 2% increase and slowing from 1.7% in March. Industrial output growth decelerated to 4.1%, below the expected 5.9%, while urban fixed asset investment contracted by 1.6% compared to the prior year. Exports increased by 14.1%, surpassing the forecast of a 7.9% rise, driven by heightened overseas demand due to concerns over the Iran war. The urban unemployment rate fell slightly to 5.2% from 5.4% in March, indicating mixed signs in the economy.