SCIO briefing on China's economic performance in July 2025

Jinan Times APP:

How did the industrial enterprises above the designated size perform in July? What were the key characteristics of their performance? What is the outlook for industrial production in the coming months? Thank you.

Fu Linghui:

Thank you for your questions. In July, industrial production maintained rapid growth and high-quality development steadily advanced, showing strong resilience and potential. The main features are as follows.

First, industrial production recorded steady and relatively rapid growth. In July, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size rose 5.7% year on year. Although it fell slightly from the previous month, it still represented rapid growth. Among them, the value added in the manufacturing industry increased by 6.2%, continuing to outpace the overall growth of industrial enterprises above designated size. The equipment manufacturing industry showed strong growth, continuing to serve as a stabilizing ballast for industrial production. In July, the value added of equipment manufacturing enterprises above designated size increased by 8.4% year on year, clearly supporting the overall growth of industrial enterprises above designated size.

Second, the trend toward high-end and green development continued. The integration of technological and industrial innovation is further developing, and the new quality productive forces represented by high-tech manufacturing and green products are steadily growing. In July, the value added in high-tech manufacturing enterprises above designated size increased by 9.3% year on year. Within this, industries such as integrated circuits and the manufacture of electronic specialty materials grew by 26.9% and 21.7%, respectively. Output of 3D printing equipment and industrial control computers and systems increased by 24.2% and 21.4%, respectively. Production of green and low-carbon products rose rapidly: in July, output of new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and wind turbine generators increased by 17.1%, 29.4%, and 19.3%, respectively. 

Third, digital and intelligent transformation advanced steadily. Driven by the wave of informatization and intelligence, digital product manufacturing and intelligent product production performed well. The value added of digital product manufacturing enterprises above designated size increased by 8.4% year on year, continuing to outpace the growth of industrial enterprises above designated size. Among them, manufacturing of intelligent equipment and electronic components and devices increased by 13.4% and 11%, respectively. AI applications advanced rapidly, promoting favorable development in related industries. In July, production of industrial robots and service robots rose by 24% and 12.8%, respectively.

Fourth, the stimulative effects of policies continued to emerge. Major national projects and programs, including those aligned with major national strategies, which also focus on building security capacity in key areas, as well as the large-scale renewal of equipment and the trade-in of consumer goods, have driven industrial production. Driven by equipment renewal, in July, the value added of industries such as shipbuilding and related equipment manufacturing and motor manufacturing increased by 29.7% and 15.9%, respectively. Under the trade-in policy for consumer goods, output of electric bicycles and 5G smartphones in July increased by 45.3% and 8.1%, respectively.

Overall, industrial production in July was generally stable, and the quality of development continued to improve. However, it should also be noted that the external environment remains complex and severe. There remains a prominent imbalance in supply and demand for a few industries. The profitability of industrial enterprises continues to be placed under pressure. Looking ahead, there are many favorable conditions for the improvement of industrial production. We should act based on current realities, while keeping long-term goals in mind. We must also further expand domestic demand and strengthen innovation-driven growth. We should vigorously cultivate new quality productive forces, promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and advance sustained and healthy industrial development. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Let's continue with the questions. Due to limited time, we will take one last question.