BEIJING, Jan 19 (Reuters) - China’s industrial output rose 5.2% in December from a year earlier, faster than the 4.8% pace in November, but retail sales growth slowed further, dousing momentum in the economy heading into 2026 and adding pressure for more stimulus.
The output data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) exceeded expectations for a 5.0% rise in a Reuters poll of 23 analysts.
Retail sales, a gauge of consumption, grew 0.9% in December, their weakest pace since December 2022 and down from the 1.3% growth in November. Analysts had forecast a 1.2% rise.
Fixed asset investment contracted 3.8% in 2025, the first annual drop since 1989 and compared with an expected 3% decline. It fell 3.3% in the January-to-November period.

- In December, China's industrial output grew by 5.2% year-on-year, surpassing the forecast of 5.0%, while retail sales growth slowed to 0.9%, marking the weakest increase since December 2022.  
- Fixed asset investment experienced a decline of 3.8% in 2025, the first annual drop since 1989, exceeding the expected decrease of 3%.  
- These trends indicate weakening economic momentum entering 2026 and intensified pressure for additional stimulus measures.

China's December factory output up 5.2% y/y, retail sales miss forecast