Global Data Pod Research Rap: China’s economic challenges and policy dilemma
Aug 15, 2024
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Haibin Zhu, a prominent authority on China's economic policy, joins to explore the nation's mounting economic challenges. Disappointing activity data has led to a reduced GDP growth forecast of 4.6%, sparking discussions about the difficulties of maintaining growth targets. Zhu highlights entrenched deflation and a struggling housing market, where past strategies now falter. The podcast also delves into the complexities of private investment amidst regulatory shifts and the impact of declining exports on both local and global economies.
China's GDP growth forecast has been lowered to 4.6% for 2024, highlighting persistent economic challenges and limited policy effectiveness.
The government's pivot towards high-quality growth is causing a gradual shift away from traditional industries, impacting overall economic growth and employment.
Deep dives
China's Growth and Policy Adjustments
China's growth outlook has been revised down, reflecting persistent economic challenges and limited policy responses. Although the first quarter showed stronger GDP growth, subsequent data revealed mounting risks, prompting a new forecast of approximately 4% GDP growth instead of the previously anticipated 5%. Key issues include a gradual and modest approach to policy measures aimed at stabilizing consumption and the housing market, which has resulted in weakened economic activity. Additionally, while there have been attempts to increase support for retail sales in July, broader economic indicators, such as exports and investments, remain fragile.
Focus on High-Quality Growth
The Chinese government continues to shift its focus towards high-quality growth, a framework established in 2017, which prioritizes productivity enhancement and structural transformations in the economy. This approach has led to a tolerance for slower growth rates, as the government seeks to reduce reliance on the housing market and promote advancements in new sectors like green technologies and high-end manufacturing. However, the transition presents challenges, as the burgeoning new economy sectors are not sufficiently large to compensate for the downturn in traditional industries, including housing. Consequently, this slow shift contributes to a deceleration in overall economic growth and employment.
Continuing Concerns with Export Growth
China's export growth has shown signs of weakening, which poses a new challenge amidst already low domestic demand and persistent issues in the real estate sector. Despite a strong performance earlier in the year, July data indicated a decline in exports, coinciding with rising trade tensions spurred by lower pricing strategies that have impacted international relations. The decline in exports could have ripple effects across the region, significantly affecting other emerging markets that rely on China's economic momentum. Policymakers remain vigilant but cautious, recognizing that while current tensions may not drastically impact this year's performance, forthcoming political developments could reshape future trade dynamics.
Haibin Zhu joins Nora Szentivanyi to discuss China’s economic and policy outlook amid mounting downside risks to growth. Following the latest set of disappointing activity data we lowered our full-year 2024 GDP growth forecast to 4.6%––below the government’s target of 5%––and continue to see a further slowdown to 4% in 2025. When activity has faltered in the past authorities tended to increase policy support to keep GDP growth close to the target range. This is becoming increasingly challenging, progressively requiring more policy stimulus to generate the same growth impact. Deflationary pressures have become entrenched amid lopsided policy support that has favored production over consumption, while the time inconsistency of China’s housing strategy has prolonged the most severe downturn in three decades.