Core Viewpoint - The economic outlook for August indicates resilience under the easing of external demand pressures and the gradual withdrawal of extraordinary internal policies, with highlights in exports, production, and service consumption, while manufacturing investment, infrastructure investment, and durable goods consumption may continue to weaken due to policy rhythms [2][4]. Exports - It is expected that August dollar-denominated exports will grow by approximately 7% year-on-year, while imports will increase by around 2%. Key observations include a significant year-on-year increase of 9% in port container throughput and a manufacturing PMI average of 50.88% among major economies [4][14][15]. Production - The industrial growth rate for August is projected to be around 6.0%. High-energy-consuming industries are expected to remain stable, with a recovery in crude steel production growth. However, downstream consumption production may be relatively weak, as indicated by a PMI of 49.2% in the consumer goods sector [5][13]. Service Consumption - August is expected to see improved resident travel conditions, with increases in the business activity index and new orders in the railway and aviation sectors, likely boosting dining, accommodation, and entertainment consumption [5][21]. Social Financing and Investment - New social financing in August is anticipated to reach 2.1 trillion, an increase of 780 billion compared to the same period last year. The stock growth rate of social financing is expected to decline to around 8.7% [6][22]. - Fixed asset investment growth is projected to fall to around 1.0%, with manufacturing investment at 5.3% and real estate investment at -12.5% [6][18]. Price Levels - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to decline to around -0.5% year-on-year, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) is projected to recover from -3.6% to approximately -2.9% year-on-year [7][11][12]. Durable Goods Consumption - The "old-for-new" policy is being reintroduced with refined subsidy arrangements, but durable goods consumption growth may slow. Retail sales growth is expected to be around 3.8%, with automotive sales declining by 3.5% [6][20]. Real Estate Sales - Real estate sales area growth is expected to be around -8.0%, with significant declines in sales figures for major property companies [19]. Financial Sector - The government bond issuance and corporate bond issuance in August are projected to be around 1.2 trillion, with a decrease in net financing for government bonds and corporate bonds compared to the previous year [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two significant economic characteristics continuing from last year: strong exports but weak consumption, and notable volume growth but weak pricing. Attention should be paid to changes in these characteristics as trade tensions escalate and more consumption-boosting measures are expected post the March Two Sessions [2][4]. Group 1: Export and Consumption - Exports are expected to remain strong, with a projected year-on-year growth of 4%-5% in January-February in USD terms. Factors supporting this include companies "rushing to export" and high-frequency data indicating strong performance [4][12]. - Consumption is anticipated to be weak, with retail sales growth expected around 3.0%, down from 3.7% in December. This is influenced by the post-Spring Festival consumption dip and a decline in automobile sales growth [5][17]. Group 2: Price Trends and Economic Growth - CPI is projected to decline to around -0.8% year-on-year in February, with PPI also expected to remain negative. This is attributed to weak food prices and a post-holiday drop in core CPI [6][9]. - GDP growth for the first quarter is estimated to be between 5.2%-5.3%, with strong performance expected in finance, industry, and information sectors [6][11]. Group 3: Investment and Financial Data - Fixed asset investment growth is projected at 4.5% for January-February, driven by early-year investment activity and a rebound in construction projects [6][15]. - Financial data indicates accelerated government bond issuance, with new social financing expected to reach 3 trillion, significantly higher than the previous year [7][18].