China's Q2 economic growth cools to 3.5-year low as imbalances worsen

A view of the city skyline in Beijing, China, on May 11, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Tingshu Wang) 15 Jul 2026 01:53PM (Updated: 15 Jul 2026 01:56PM) BEIJING: China's economy expanded at its slowest pace in over three years in the second quarter, with weak household consumption clouding strong manufacturing and exports and intensifying concerns over the long-term sustainability of its unbalanced growth model.At 4.3 per cent, gross domestic product growth in April to June eased from the first quarter's 5 per cent, landing below the lower end of China's 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent full-year target and missing forecasts.Attention is now turning to the Communist Party Politburo's closely watched meeting later this month, where top leaders typically assess economic conditions and adjust policy se