China's economy grows steadily despite US tariffs

CHINA'S ECONOMY SLOWED less than expected in the Q2 in a show of resilience against US tariffs, though analysts warn that weak demand at home and rising global trade risks will ramp up pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus.

- REUTERS Beijing, July 15

The world's No. 2 economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to policy support and as factories took advantage of a US-China trade truce to front-load shipments, but investors are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low.

Policymakers face a daunting task in achieving the annual growth target of around 5%—a goal many analysts view as ambitious given entrenched deflation and weak demand at home.