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China's Economy Slows to 4.8% Amid Trade Tensions

10/23/2025

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

China’s economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, the slowest pace in a year.
The slowdown is driven by ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and a weak property market, which pushed residential sales down 7.6%.
GDP rose 5.2% for the first nine months of 2025.
Exports to the United States fell 27%.
Overall exports rose 8.3%.

History

Historical Context

The U.S.-China trade war, initiated in January 2018 under President Trump, aimed to address alleged unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. By 2019, the U.S. imposed tariffs on approximately $350 billion of Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory tariffs from China. As of 2025, U.S. exports to China had dropped by 27%, reflecting the ongoing economic strain and potential shifts in global trade dynamics.

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Story summary

China’s economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, the slowest pace in a year.
The slowdown is driven by ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and a weak property market, which pushed residential sales down 7.6%.
GDP rose 5.2% for the first nine months of 2025.
Exports to the United States fell 27%.
Overall exports rose 8.3%.

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