China's industrial sector showed signs of resilience in 2025 as large-scale enterprises reported a 0.6% year-on-year profit increase to 7.4 trillion yuan ($1.06 trillion), marking the first annual growth since 2022. The December rebound—a 5.3% surge—contrasted sharply with November's 13.1% contraction, signaling renewed momentum as the year closed.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) statistician Yu Weining attributed the recovery to strengthened policy measures and industrial upgrades, stating: "Proactive macroeconomic policies and accelerated new industrialization stabilized production chains and enhanced efficiency." Manufacturing led the turnaround with 5.69 trillion yuan in profits (up 5%), while utilities sectors like energy and water supply saw a robust 9.4% gain.
The broader industrial landscape showed stability, with operating revenue climbing 1.1% to 139.2 trillion yuan. Analysts suggest this recovery positions China's industrial base for strategic opportunities in 2026, particularly in advanced manufacturing and green energy sectors.
