China’s economic indicators for April show a slowdown, with domestic demand weakening. Multiple outlets report that retail sales—a key gauge of consumer spending—rise by only about 0.2% in April. This compares with 1.7% growth in March and is described as the weakest gain since late 2022, with some sources citing December 2022 as the prior low point.
CNBC adds that the slowdown extends beyond consumption, saying data are under expectations for other parts of the economy. It reports that industrial output and investment growth also miss forecasts, contributing to an overall picture of the economy losing momentum during April.
Business Standard similarly frames the month’s figures as weaker than expected, noting that both factory output and retail sales fail to meet market expectations. The Free Malaysia Today and The West Australian focus on the consumption side, linking the retail growth slowdown to challenges Beijing faces in reviving domestic demand. Overall, the articles converge on a consistent message: April data point to softer growth, particularly in consumer spending.
