Beijing: China is planning a series of new measures to increase domestic demand as the government seeks to strengthen economic growth and reduce dependence on exports.
Chinese officials said expanding consumer spending will be a key priority as the country prepares for its annual parliamentary meetings in Beijing. Policymakers believe stronger domestic consumption will help stabilize the economy amid global uncertainty and slower external demand.
Officials noted that consumer spending has already become a major driver of growth in recent years. In 2025, consumption contributed more than half of China’s economic growth. Retail sales in the country also crossed 50 trillion yuan for the first time, showing a gradual recovery in household spending.
The government now plans to introduce policies aimed at increasing people’s purchasing power. Authorities are looking at ways to create more jobs, raise incomes in both urban and rural areas, and strengthen social security programs so that households feel more confident about spending.
Another focus will be the expansion of the service sector. Officials believe areas such as tourism, healthcare, elderly care, childcare and education have strong potential to generate economic activity and employment.
China is also encouraging companies to improve the quality of consumer goods and services so that people are more willing to upgrade purchases such as home appliances, vehicles and electronics.
Experts say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to rebalance the Chinese economy. For many years the country relied heavily on exports and large infrastructure investments to drive growth. However, changing global trade conditions and economic uncertainty have pushed policymakers to focus more on domestic demand.
The government is also studying reforms aimed at building a more unified national market, improving supply chains and boosting incomes in rural areas. Increasing welfare support and pension coverage is also expected to help raise consumer confidence.
Economists are closely watching the upcoming policy announcements during China’s annual parliamentary sessions, where leaders are expected to outline the country’s growth targets and economic priorities for the year ahead.
Analysts believe the success of these measures will be important for maintaining stable growth in the world’s second largest economy at a time when global economic conditions remain uncertain.