Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the divergence in fiscal revenue and expenditure in April, with a notable improvement in tax revenue contributing to a more positive outlook for fiscal policy and spending [1][3][4]. Fiscal Revenue - In April, the general public budget revenue growth rate increased to 1.9% year-on-year, with tax revenue showing a significant improvement of 4.1 percentage points, marking the first positive growth this year [1][4]. - Cumulatively, tax revenue for the first four months remains at -2.1% year-on-year, with corporate income tax down by 3.1%, primarily due to low PPI [1][4][5]. - The performance of major tax categories in April was neutral, with corporate income tax contributing 1.21 percentage points to revenue growth, while personal income tax rose by 67.5% year-on-year, largely due to base effects [5][8]. Fiscal Expenditure - Fiscal expenditure showed a more positive trend, with a year-on-year increase of 5.8% in April and a cumulative growth of 4.6% for the first four months, exceeding the annual target growth rate of 4.4% [1][8]. - The expenditure progress for the first four months reached 31.5%, the second highest level in recent years, driven by spending on social security, education, and infrastructure projects [1][8][9]. - The issuance of ordinary government bonds was significantly advanced, contributing to the increase in fiscal spending [8][9]. Broader Fiscal Context - The government fund revenue also turned positive in April, with a year-on-year growth of 8.1%, driven by land sales and expected recovery in government fund income [2][15]. - The government fund expenditure rose sharply by 44.7% year-on-year in April, significantly outpacing revenue growth, indicating strong fiscal support for infrastructure and development projects [18][19]. - The overall fiscal revenue growth remains low, necessitating further measures to stabilize growth and expand domestic demand, with a notable fiscal deficit of 2.65 trillion yuan in the first four months [3][19].

Revenue Performance - In March 2025, national general public budget revenue increased by 0.3% year-on-year, an improvement from a decline of 1.6% in January-February[1] - Cumulative general public budget revenue for Q1 2025 decreased by 1.1% year-on-year, lower than the full-year growth rate of the previous year[2] - Cumulative government fund revenue for Q1 2025 fell by 11.0% year-on-year, compared to a decline of 10.7% in January-February[1] Expenditure Trends - Cumulative general public budget expenditure for Q1 2025 grew by 4.2% year-on-year, an acceleration of 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous year[6] - In March 2025, general public budget expenditure increased by 5.7% year-on-year, up 2.3 percentage points from January-February[8] - Cumulative government fund expenditure for Q1 2025 rose by 11.1% year-on-year, significantly higher than the 1.2% growth in January-February[1] Tax Revenue Insights - In Q1 2025, tax revenue decreased by 3.5% year-on-year, while non-tax revenue increased by 8.8%[3] - In March 2025, corporate income tax revenue surged by 16.0% year-on-year, a significant increase of 26.4 percentage points compared to January-February[4] - Personal income tax revenue in March 2025 plummeted by 58.5% year-on-year, contrasting with a 26.7% increase in January-February, primarily due to the timing of the Spring Festival[4] Land Market and Special Bonds - Cumulative land use rights transfer revenue in Q1 2025 fell by 15.9% year-on-year, indicating ongoing weakness in the real estate market[9] - The issuance of special bonds in Q1 2025 was significantly high, contributing to a substantial increase in government fund expenditure[9] - Future issuance of special bonds and long-term special treasury bonds in April 2025 is expected to enhance investment and consumption stability[9]

Revenue and Expenditure Trends - In March, national public budget revenue was 16,333 billion yuan, while expenditure was 27,719 billion yuan[2] - March fiscal revenue showed a slight recovery with a growth of +0.25%, but Q1 revenue was still down 1.1% year-on-year[3] - Tax revenue decreased by 2.2% in March, with a cumulative decline of 3.5% in Q1, falling short of the annual target of +3.7%[3] Fiscal Policy and Spending - Public fiscal expenditure in March grew by 5.7% year-on-year, with Q1 expenditure growth at 4.2%, slightly above the annual budget target of 4%[4] - The expenditure progress for Q1 was approximately 24.5% of the annual target, consistent with 2024 levels[4] - Social security and education expenditures increased by 9% and 8% respectively in March, while technology spending decreased by 4.8%[4] Government Fund and Debt Issuance - Government fund revenue in March was 2,866 billion yuan, down 12%, with land transfer revenue declining by 16.5%[4] - Government fund expenditure in March was 8,411 billion yuan, a significant increase of 28% year-on-year[4] - A total of 9,603 billion yuan in special bonds were issued in Q1, with issuance pace faster than in 2024 but slower than in 2022 and 2023[4] Future Outlook and Risks - The need for accelerated fiscal spending is emphasized due to potential tariff impacts and economic uncertainties[5] - Expected measures include increased consumer support and tax refunds for export enterprises[5] - Risks include potential economic downturns and insufficient policy execution[5]

Revenue Performance - In January-February 2025, general public budget revenue decreased by 1.6% year-on-year, slightly below the annual revenue budget target by 0.1%[4] - Tax revenue fell by 3.9% year-on-year, a decrease of 6.6 percentage points compared to the previous month[4] - Non-tax revenue increased by 11% year-on-year, but this was a decline of 83 percentage points from the previous month[4] Expenditure Trends - General public budget expenditure grew by 3.4% year-on-year, maintaining a rapid expenditure pace[4] - Social welfare and employment expenditures rose by 5.4% year-on-year, driven by increased spending in social security and health sectors[4] - Infrastructure spending decreased by 5.6% year-on-year, primarily due to declines in urban community and agricultural water affairs expenditures[4] Fund and Policy Outlook - Government fund revenue fell by 10.7% year-on-year, mainly due to a decline in land transfer income[4] - Government fund expenditure increased by 1.2% year-on-year, with central government fund expenditure surging by 74.2%, significantly outpacing local government growth of 0.6%[4] - The fiscal policy is expected to focus on increasing the deficit ratio, enhancing expenditure intensity, and accelerating spending progress throughout the year[4]

Revenue Performance - In January-February 2025, general public budget revenue decreased by 1.6% year-on-year, slightly below the annual revenue budget target by 0.1%[5] - Tax revenue fell by 3.9% year-on-year, a decrease of 6.6 percentage points compared to the previous month[5] - Non-tax revenue increased by 11% year-on-year, but this was a significant drop of 83 percentage points from the previous month[5] Expenditure Trends - General public budget expenditure grew by 3.4% year-on-year, maintaining a rapid expenditure pace[5] - Social welfare and employment expenditures rose by 5.4%, reflecting a focus on social security and health spending[5] - Government fund expenditure increased by 1.2% year-on-year, with central government fund expenditure soaring by 74.2%, contrasting with a mere 0.6% increase at the local level[5] Future Outlook - The fiscal policy is expected to focus on increasing the deficit ratio and expenditure intensity, with plans for special bond issuance to accelerate spending[5] - There is an emphasis on supporting domestic demand and consumption, particularly in social security and employment sectors[5] - The central government has reserved sufficient tools and policy space to potentially introduce incremental policies throughout the year based on changing internal and external conditions[5]