China’s economy gains pace on exports as domestic demand falters

In the July-September quarter, China recorded an economic growth of 4.5%, surpassing analysts' expectations. (Pic Credit: IANS) China's economy expanded by 4.5% in the July-September quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, supported by strong exports, official data showed on Monday. The growth brings Beijing closer to achieving its annual economic target as the year draws to a close, even as trading partners intensify efforts to address their trade imbalances with the world's second-largest economy.The latest growth figure exceeded expectations and marked an improvement from the 4.3% expansion recorded in the April-June quarter, which was China's slowest pace of growth in more than three years, reported by news agency AP.Chinese leaders have set a full-year growth target of 4.5%-5% for 2026, lower than the 5% expansion achieved last year. Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund lowered its forecast for China's economic growth in 2026 to 4.5%, placing its projection at the bottom of Beijing's target range.Strong exports support growth as domestic demand remains weakThe headline growth figure is becoming “an increasingly poor indicator of how the broader eco...