Augmented Fiscal Deficit

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聚焦亚洲_中国 2025 年下半年财政展望_所需财政扩张减少-Asia in Focus_ China H2 Fiscal Outlook_ Less Fiscal Expansion Needed (Wang)
2025-08-07 05:17
Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on China's fiscal outlook for the second half of 2025, particularly in the context of macroeconomic conditions and government policy responses. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Moderate Policy Easing**: China's policy easing has been characterized as moderate, targeted, and patient, with less urgency for broad-based stimulus measures due to stronger-than-expected export growth and resilient GDP growth in H1 2025 [4][5][33]. 2. **Fiscal Conditions Improvement**: Fiscal conditions have improved significantly in H1 2025, driven by a RMB10 trillion local government debt resolution plan and an expansionary budget. On-budget fiscal expenditure grew by 3.4% year-on-year, while fiscal revenue declined by 0.3% [6][39]. 3. **Augmented Fiscal Deficit (AFD)**: The AFD metric widened to 11.3% of GDP as of June 2025, indicating a shift from a fiscal drag in the previous year to a moderate growth boost this year [6][39]. 4. **Fiscal Space for H2**: There remains substantial fiscal policy room, including RMB5 trillion in unused government bond issuance quota and over RMB1 trillion in unspent fiscal deposits, which could be utilized if necessary [21][39]. 5. **Sectoral Weaknesses**: Despite overall fiscal improvements, weaknesses persist in the property market and labor market, with land sales revenue under pressure and local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) facing challenges [9][10][39]. 6. **Forecast Adjustments**: The AFD forecast for 2025 has been lowered to 12.5% of GDP from 13.0%, and fixed asset investment (FAI) growth forecast has been reduced to 3% from 5% due to weaker-than-expected H1 performance [39][54]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Youth Unemployment Concerns**: There is a caution regarding a potential increase in youth unemployment rates during the summer months, which may necessitate targeted policy support [34][36]. 2. **Incremental Easing Measures**: Policymakers are expected to implement incremental easing measures in H2 2025, focusing on consumption and investment support, including a consumer goods trade-in program and infrastructure investments [45][47]. 3. **Local Government Incentives**: Local officials' incentives to boost growth may be hindered by ongoing anti-corruption investigations, which could impact the implementation of fiscal policies [47][51]. 4. **Investment Growth Projections**: Infrastructure investment growth is projected to moderate to 6% in 2025, while property investment is expected to remain depressed at -11% year-on-year [54][56]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call regarding China's fiscal outlook and the implications for various sectors and overall economic growth.