China's economic growth challenges mount as consumption slips

EconomyJuly data points to continued softness in spending and investmentWorkers assemble a wind turbine generator in Inner Mongolia, China, on June 13. China's industrial production growth slowed to 4.5% in July from 5.3% in June. © ReutersGLORIA LIAugust 17, 2026 16:29 JSTHONG KONG -- China's consumer spending and investment data showed few signs that the economy is shaking off its weaknesses, widening the nation's economic divergence even as a boom in artificial intelligence-related exports has been providing a lift.