China Navigator - Q1 2026
China Navigator – Q1 2026
ANDAMAN PARTNERS presents China Navigator – Q1 2026, a knowledge tool for triangulating China’s position and trajectory in the global economic and trade landscape.
China Navigator is a knowledge tool by ANDAMAN PARTNERS for triangulating China’s position and trajectory in the global economic and trade landscape. We include a brief introductory orientation, followed by a deeper examination of key issues and trends and finally an overview of China’s role in the international context.
China’s economy grew at 5.2% in 2023, 5% in 2024 and 5% again in 2025, lower than the 6-10% recorded in the 2010s but broadly in line with government targets. China’s GDP growth is gradually moderating, but it remains formidable and substantially above the global average of 3.2%. For the rest of the 2020s, China’s annual growth is forecast to hover around 4-5%.
With growth slowing to more manageable levels, an emphasis on quality growth over rapid growth is evident. The economy is in the midst of a transitional phase, during which domestic consumption and services will increasingly drive growth rather than capital formation, heavy industry or exports. This transition, however, is ongoing and far from complete.
Getting China right is now more relevant than ever for businesses from around the globe and across industries. China must be understood, and businesses must be clear-eyed and strategic about whether to integrate China into their inbound or outbound supply chains, sell to Chinese consumers, leverage its value-added technologies, raise capital or attract investment.
We hope this overview provides navigation support and valuable insights towards new understandings of the most consequential economy for global business in the 21st century.
Please see the option below to view or download the presentation in full (5.8 mb).
ANDAMAN PARTNERS supports international business ventures and growth. We help launch global initiatives and accelerate successful expansion across borders. If your business, operations or project requires cross-border support, contact connect@andamanpartners.com.
Media

ANDAMAN PARTNERS Co-Founder Rachel Wu to Deliver Talk at SEP Global Reunion 2026 in Shanghai, China
Rachel will deliver a talk at the event entitled ‘Two SEPers in the Family – Building in China for 20+ Years’

ANDAMAN PARTNERS to Attend Stanford Executive Programme Global Reunion 2026 in Shanghai, China
ANDAMAN PARTNERS will attend the SEP Global Reunion 2026 in Shanghai, China, from 28 October to 1 November 2026

ANDAMAN PARTNERS to Attend 2026 IMF & World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand
ANDAMAN PARTNERS will attend the IMF & World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok on 12-18 October 2026

Global Trade Shows Strong Momentum in 2026 as Asian Economies Climb Export Rankings
World merchandise exports rose 14.4% in H1 2026, with several Asian economies climbing the global rankings

China’s Trade Engine Is Finding Growth Well Beyond the U.S.
China’s 2026 trade figures reveal strong growth across Asian export markets and surging machinery and electronics trade

Machinery Anchors China’s Exports, But Vehicles Are the Breakout Growth Story
Electrical and mechanical equipment remain China’s largest export products, while vehicles have nearly tripled since 2021