China's consumer market maintained its steady growth momentum in the first eight months of 2025, fueled by effective government policies and strong demand in certain sectors.

On Sept. 15, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press conference in Beijing about China's economic performance in August 2025. [Photo by Zhao Yifan/China SCIO]

Fu Linghui, spokesperson and chief economist of the National Bureau of Statistics, made the remarks at a Monday press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

According to the bureau's data, China's total retail sales of consumer goods from January to August rose 4.6% year on year, while service consumption grew 5.1%.

Fu said that goods consumption maintained stable growth, aided by the national trade-in program and consumer upgrading. In August, retail sales of goods increased 3.6%. Sales of household appliances and audio-visual equipment, office supplies, and furniture all surged by over 10%. Spending on sports and outdoors products as well as jewelry also showed strong increases, growing by 16.9% and 16.8%, respectively.

Service consumption saw fast growth, boosted by summer travel and demand for recreational activities. Integrated offerings such as "tourism+" and "sports+" scenarios gained traction. Travel consulting and rental services, transportation services, cultural and sports recreational services, and communication and information services all recorded double-digit retail sales growth in the first eight months. Box office revenue and cinema attendance jumped by 48.6% and 66.9% year on year in August, respectively.

Fu Linghui, spokesperson and chief economist of the National Bureau of Statistics, attends a press conference in Beijing, Sept. 15, 2025. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]

Fu noted that online and new spending trends are also flourishing. Online retail sales climbed by 9.6% in the first eight months, outperforming overall retail growth. New energy vehicle sales rose by more than 20%, highlighting vibrant demand in green sectors.

Looking ahead, Fu said that China's consumer spending is expected to unleash more growth potential, supported by pro-consumption policies and trade-in programs. Upcoming holiday demand is likely to give another boost to tourism, culture, sports, and movie sectors, further energizing overall spending.