China’s export-led growth is looking more and more unsustainable while a real estate crash and reeling consumers fuel deflationary spiral

Core Insights - China's trade surplus reached a record $1.19 trillion in 2025, a 20% increase, driven by strong exports to various regions despite domestic economic weaknesses [1][2] - Exports contributed significantly to economic growth, accounting for one-third of GDP growth in 2025, the highest level since 1997, while imports remained flat due to weak domestic demand [2] - The economy's growth rate slowed towards the end of 2025, with GDP growth of 4.5% in Q4 compared to 4.8% in Q3, indicating underlying economic challenges [3] Economic Performance - Retail sales growth decelerated to 0.9% in December, down from 2.9% in October and 6.4% in May, reflecting weak consumer spending [3] - Fixed-asset investment experienced its first annual decline in nearly three decades, dropping 15% in December, primarily due to the real estate sector's downturn [4] - Property investment fell by 17.2% in 2025, overshadowing investments in high-tech industries, which the government is promoting [4] Future Outlook - Fitch Ratings forecasts a slowdown in GDP growth to 4.1% in 2026, down from 5% in 2025, indicating concerns about the sustainability of economic momentum [4] - Domestic demand is expected to remain constrained by low consumer confidence, deflationary pressures, and broader investment challenges beyond the property sector [5] - The real estate crisis has left approximately 80 million unsold or vacant homes, impacting sales and prices, and prompting a shift in China's development model away from debt-fueled investment [8][9] Broader Economic Issues - Weak retail spending, deflation, and low confidence levels among consumers and businesses are largely attributed to the decline in the real estate market, which holds significant savings for many households [10]