CHINA ECONOMY 2026 RECORDS INDUSTRIAL AND HOUSING SHIFTS

The China economy 2026 showed varied developments in early 2026, including an increase in industrial profits, continued changes in the Hong Kong housing market and shifts in industrial emissions and emerging sectors. Recent data releases and sectoral reports indicate concurrent movements across manufacturing, property and innovation-related industries.

Industrial Profits Increase In Early 2026

In Beijing, official data published on 27 March 2026 showed that industrial profits in China rose by 15,2% year-on-year in January and February. According to Reuters, this compares to a 0,6% increase recorded across the full year 2025. The data indicate that profit growth was uneven across sectors. Manufacturing segments such as computer, communication and electronic equipment recorded a notable increase, while non-ferrous metal industries also reported higher profit levels. These sectors contributed to the overall rise in industrial profits during the reporting period.

Industrial output of China's economy also expanded during the same period, with figures indicating a year-on-year increase of 6,3%. Export activity in specific product categories, including those linked to advanced technologies, formed part of the overall industrial performance. At the same time, producer price levels remained in deflationary territory, reflecting continued pricing pressures within the industrial sector. Input costs for certain components increased, affecting margins in some manufacturing segments. According to Reuters, competitive conditions in sectors such as automotive manufacturing and solar equipment production remained present during the reporting period.

Hong Kong Housing Prices Extend Monthly Increases

In Hong Kong, private residential property prices increased by 1,6% in February 2026 compared to January, marking the ninth consecutive monthly rise. The data was reported by Reuters based on official figures. The upward movement follows a period of price declines between 2021 and 2025, during which the property market experienced reduced transaction volumes and adjustments in pricing. Recent changes have been associated with policy measures, including the easing of property-related restrictions and adjustments in financing conditions.

Available housing supply remains limited, while demand has been influenced by local and external buyers. Developers have introduced pricing adjustments for new properties, which have had an impact on broader market trends. The Hong Kong housing market continues to operate within structural constraints related to land availability and population density. These factors influence price movements and transaction dynamics across different segments of the market.

Steel Industry Emissions Decline In February

In the industrial sector, environmental data indicate a reduction in emissions from China’s steel industry. According to GMK Center, emissions declined by 12,2% year-on-year in February 2026. The decrease in emissions coincided with changes in production patterns within the steel sector. Reports indicate that output levels adjusted during the same period, reflecting shifts in industrial activity.

Policy measures aimed at reducing emissions and managing industrial capacity have been implemented in recent years. These measures include production controls and efficiency improvements within heavy industry sectors. Demand conditions, particularly from the property sector, have also influenced production and emissions patterns in the steel industry. These factors continue to shape operational levels across the sector.

Emerging Industries Report Expansion In 2025

Alongside developments in traditional sectors, data indicates expansion in selected emerging industries. According to CGTN, China’s science fiction industry reached an estimated market size of 14,75€ billion in 2025. The sector includes activities across film, publishing, gaming and digital media. Growth has been associated with increased production and distribution of domestic content, as well as technological developments in media platforms.

The expansion of the science fiction sector forms part of broader developments in cultural and creative industries. These industries represent a segment of economic activity distinct from manufacturing and resource-based sectors.

Concluding Outlook

China’s economy continues to display a high degree of adaptability and sound risk management. Although pricing pressures emerge due to changing demand levels, energy production and supply chain developments, China has managed to limit negative effects and maintain growth while expanding efficiency. The reasons for this are, among others, its long-term efforts to gain pricing and supply power in resource and energy markets, as well as structural adjustments within the context of its new 5-year plan.

In terms of emerging industries, China also has shown adaptability, adjusting to broader global market demand, as well as flexibility in human resource provision and technological advancement. Here, the important factor will be to increase profitability and increase global demand to amortise past investments in new sectors that require international consumers to accept Chinese production, resulting in price elasticity.