China’s industrial production rose 5.2% year-on-year in August 2026, up from 4.5% in July and beating market expectations of 4.8%. The pickup was driven primarily by stronger manufacturing output, which expanded 6.1% (vs 5.5% in July), while production of electricity, heat, gas, and water also remained in positive territory, though at a slower pace (4.9% vs 5.9%). In contrast, mining output declined 1.4%, reversing from a 4.2% increase in July.
Within manufacturing, 29 of the 41 major industries recorded growth. Notable performers included computers and communications equipment (17.2%), railway and shipbuilding (13.4%), general equipment (9.8%), special equipment (11.4%), agriculture and food processing (4.3%), oil and gas processing (6.2%), electrical machinery (9.9%), textiles (3.0%), and automotive manufacturing (8.7%). On the downside, output contracted in coal mining and washing (-5.6%) and in non-metallic mineral products (-4.1%).
Over the first eight months of 2026, overall industrial output increased 5.3%. On a month-on-month basis, industrial production was up 0.54% in August.
