China Economy Shows Resilience with 6.1% April Industrial Output Growth Amid Tariffs

China's economy showed resilience in April despite ongoing US tariffs, with industrial production growing 6.1% year-over-year, surpassing expectations and signaling steady manufacturing strength. Retail sales and fixed-asset investment growth slowed somewhat, reflecting softer consumer sentiment and persistent weaknesses in the property market, which remains a concern for policymakers. Exports exceeded forecasts, benefiting from frontloading ahead of the US-China tariff truce set to expire in July, supporting momentum in key Asian markets reliant on Chinese inputs. The government's recent stimulus measures helped stabilize growth and employment, with urban unemployment rates declining slightly. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, revising China's 2025 GDP growth forecast upward to 4.6%, while emphasizing that uncertainty persists around trade negotiations and tariff outcomes. Overall, while industrial output and exports underpin economic stability, subdued retail and property sectors highlight ongoing challenges amid external trade pressures.