The sales revenue of enterprises in China improved significantly in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the economic operation showed many bright spots, according to the latest value-added tax (VAT) invoice data released by the State Administration of Taxation.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the sales revenue of the manufacturing industry increased by 3.8 percent year on year, 2.4 percentage points higher than the growth rate in the third quarter, the VAT invoice data shows.
Specifically, the sales revenue of the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 8.3 percent year on year. In particular, the sales revenue of the railway, ship, aerospace equipment manufacturing industry, computer communication equipment manufacturing industry, and general equipment manufacturing industry increased rapidly in the fourth quarter, up by 16.5 percent, 10.9 percent and 8 percent year on year respectively.
Meanwhile, emerging industries continued to grow rapidly. The sales revenue of high-tech industries increased by 10.6 percent year on year, and that of the core industries of the digital economy grew by 5.5 percent compared with the same period last year.
The latest VAT invoice data also shows that driven by the large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs, the amount of machinery and equipment purchased by enterprises nationwide in the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by 7.5 percent year on year, 2.2 percentage points higher than the growth rate in the third quarter.
The retail sales of home audio-visual equipment and daily household appliances increased by 38.1 percent and 75.4 percent year on year respectively. In addition, furniture retail and sanitary ware retail related to home decoration went up by 39.4 percent and 26.3 percent year on year respectively, both significantly faster than the growth rate in the third quarter.
With policies in place to support projects for implementing major national strategies and building security capacity in key areas, the sales revenue of the civil engineering construction industry in the fourth quarter, which reflects infrastructure investment, experienced significantly faster year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter. Especially with the implementation of a package of debt reduction policies, the sales revenue of the civil engineering construction industry in December increased by 7 percent year on year.
VAT invoice data shows China's economic highlights in Q4 2024
Global economic growth is projected to remain at 2.8 percent in 2025, unchanged from last year, according to a UN report released on Thursday.
Despite falling inflation, improving labor market conditions, and monetary easing, global growth is predicted to remain below the pace seen before the pandemic, and the world economy continues to face significant uncertainties, the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report says.
According to the report, lower inflation and ongoing monetary easing in many economies could provide a modest boost to global economic activity in 2025. However, uncertainty still looms large, with risks stemming from geopolitical conflicts, rising trade tensions and elevated borrowing costs in many countries.
These challenges are particularly acute for low income and vulnerable countries, where sub-par and fragile growth threatens to further undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Growth in the United States is projected to moderate from 2.8 percent in 2024 to 1.9 percent in 2025, as labor markets soften and consumer spending slows.
Europe is expected to recover modestly, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from 0.9 percent in 2024 to 1.3 percent in 2025, supported by easing inflation and resilient labor markets, though fiscal tightening and long-term challenges, such as weak productivity growth and an aging population, continue to weigh on the economic outlook.
East Asia is forecast to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025, driven by China's projected stable growth of 4.8 percent, and supported by robust private consumption across the region.
South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region, with GDP growth projected at 5.7 percent in 2025, led by India's 6.6 percent expansion.
Africa is forecast to grow modestly from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025, thanks to recoveries in major economies including Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Global inflation is projected to decline from 4 percent in 2024 to 3.4 percent in 2025, providing some relief to households and businesses. Major central banks are expected to further cut interest rates this year as inflationary pressures continue to ease.
Yet, inflation in many developing countries is expected to remain above recent historical averages, with one in five projected to face double-digit levels in 2025.
The report emphasizes that governments should seize any fiscal space created by monetary easing to prioritize investments in sustainable development, especially in critical social sectors.
Global economy projected to grow 2.8 pct in 2025: UN
