China’s economy advanced at a slightly faster-than-anticipated rate of 6.8 percent in the first quarter supported by strong consumer demand, positive exports, and robust property investment. The Asian nation’s strengthened economy supports the recovery of the global economy for a longer period of time despite the escalating tension between the United States that could drive billion dollars worth of business. Economists presume that China loses some strength in the coming quarters as Beijing pressures local governments to ease on infrastructure projects to control debt as property sales softened down following strict government controls on purchases to counter conjectures on this issue. Consumption was recorded to have reached for almost 80 percent economic growth in the first quarter which is essential in the economy amid higher Chinese exports. The retail sales increased by 10.1 percent from last year which has slightly risen more than anticipated at a strong pace in four months. Consumers are purchasing various things from cosmetics to home furniture and appliances. The figure from retails data reflects the consumption of the country saying that it is not seasonal. There seems to be consistent growth in cosmetics, clothing, and automobiles for a few months, according to the Greater China economist at ING in Hong Kong, Iris Pang. Consumption has been strong with high wage growth in city areas. “We underestimated the power of consumption in China.”, she added. Growth in gross domestic product for the first quarter was supported by strong exports given the surge in shipments from the U.S. with the figure of 14.8 percent on the year. A few analysts surmised that Chinese firms hasten their deliveries to the U.S. as tariff threats sink in.
