滕泰：中国消费是不是全球第一，重要吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that the notion of China being the world's largest consumer market based on selective product consumption data is misleading and does not reflect the true state of consumer capability and economic structure in China [1][6]. Consumption Data Analysis - Claims that China's consumption of pork, freshwater fish, cars, and air conditioners surpasses that of the U.S. are based on selective data, ignoring the overall consumption capacity and economic context [1][2]. - China's Engel's coefficient stands at 28.4%, indicating that a significant portion of household spending is still on basic needs, unlike the U.S. at 7.3%, which reflects a more developed consumption structure [2][6]. Economic Structure and Consumer Capability - The article emphasizes that comparing consumption based on specific products like pork and fish is flawed, as it does not account for income levels and overall spending power [1][4]. - The disparity in income levels between China and the U.S. suggests that China's lower wages directly impact its consumption capacity, making it inappropriate to use purchasing power parity without considering these factors [4][5]. Misleading Comparisons - The article critiques the use of purchasing power parity as a basis for comparison, highlighting its core flaw of not considering wage and income level differences [3][4]. - It questions the validity of claims that China's retail sales can be inflated to match or exceed those of the U.S. based on simplified currency comparisons [3][4]. Policy Implications - The article stresses the need for effective measures to increase residents' income and stimulate consumption rather than engaging in debates about being the largest consumer market [6]. - It highlights that addressing the challenges of low consumer capability and income disparity is crucial for China's economic transformation in the coming decade [6].