China's economy expanded by just 4.3% in the three months to June, one of its weakest quarterly readings since official GDP reporting began in the early 1990s, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- China's economy grew 4.3% in the three months to June, according to the Guardian.
- The figure came in below the government's target range of 4.5% to 5%.
- It was one of the weakest quarterly readings since official GDP reporting began in the early 1990s.
- The Guardian described the result as worse than expected.
- The data comes amid what the Guardian called concerns over a lopsided economy.
China posted worse-than-expected growth figures for the three months to June, with the economy expanding by just 4.3%, according to the Guardian. The reading is one of the lowest quarterly figures on record for the country.
The 4.3% rate came in under the government’s target range of 4.5% to 5%, the Guardian reported.
The Guardian described the result as one of the weakest quarterly readings since reporting on official quarterly GDP figures began in the early 1990s.
The figures arrive amid what the Guardian characterised as concerns over a lopsided economy. The sources do not provide further detail on the underlying drivers of the slowdown or any official response.
Why it matters
China is the world's second-largest economy, so its growth rate influences global trade, commodity demand and financial markets. A reading below the government's own target and among the lowest on record, according to the Guardian, raises questions about the strength of the economy.
Frequently asked questions
How fast did China's economy grow in the second quarter?
According to the Guardian, China's economy expanded by 4.3% in the three months to June, a worse-than-expected result.
Did China meet its growth target?
No. The Guardian reported the 4.3% rate came in under the government's target range of 4.5% to 5%.
Why is this figure significant historically?
The Guardian said it was one of the weakest quarterly readings since official quarterly GDP reporting began in the early 1990s.