According to official data, the total value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size — those with annual revenue over 20 million yuan — increased by 6.4% year-on-year in the first six months of 2025. June alone saw a 0.5% increase from the previous month.

Within this growth, equipment manufacturing stood out with a 10.2% annual rise, while high-tech manufacturing followed closely with 9.5%, underscoring China's continued focus on upgrading its industrial base and moving up the value chain amid ongoing global competition.

The robust industrial data comes as China attempts to balance domestic stimulus efforts with external pressures such as tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Analysts note that strong performance in manufacturing can help support broader economic stabilization, particularly as global demand remains uncertain.

China’s retail sales and GDP data released simultaneously showed continued expansion, reinforcing a cautiously optimistic outlook for the second half of 2025. However, officials remain attentive to the impact of rising geopolitical frictions and shifts in global trade policy.