China announces 4.5–5% GDP growth target for 2026
China has commenced the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The Chinese government set a GDP growth target of 4.5–5% for 2026, announced in a report presented during the session. This target signals the country’s economic policy direction for the coming year.
In 2025, China’s economy grew by 5%, reaching 140.18 trillion yuan (approximately 20 trillion US dollars). The government aims for an inflation rate around 2% in 2026; consumer prices remained flat in 2025, despite a planned 2% rise. Unemployment is forecasted at 5.5% for 2026, up from 5.2% in 2025, with plans to create 12 million new jobs.
The National People’s Congress session will continue until 12 March and remains a key political event shaping China’s near-term development.
