Overview
- Han Wenxiu said China will grow both exports and imports in 2026, encourage service exports, raise basic pensions, and remove restrictions that suppress consumption.
- The Central Economic Work Conference made household spending the main priority for 2026 and outlined tasks spanning demand support, reform, opening-up, low‑carbon growth, and livelihoods.
- Leaders signaled a proactive fiscal stance for next year to spur consumption and investment, with analysts expecting a growth target near 5 percent.
- China logged a roughly US$1.076 trillion goods trade surplus in the first 11 months of 2025, drawing international scrutiny as the IMF urges a shift toward stronger domestic consumption.
- Policy guidance emphasizes supply-side upgrades under the 'new productive forces,' building innovation hubs, and a dual-circulation approach that hardens resilience to ongoing trade frictions.