Chinese consumer spending grew steadily in May, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, with retail sales of consumer goods reaching 4.13 trillion yuan (about 574.5 billion U.S. dollars) -- a 6.4 percent year-on-year increase, and the strongest monthly growth rate so far in 2025.
Retail sales of commodities rose by 6.5 percent year on year, an increase of 1.4 percentage points compared to April.
Bolstered by consumer goods trade-in policies, retail sales of household appliances rose by 53 percent year on year, communication devices by 33 percent, cultural and office supplies by 30.5 percent, furniture by 25.6 percent, and passenger vehicle sales by 13.3 percent.
Holiday spending also supported the growth in consumer spending last month.
Spending on travel reached 180.27 billion yuan (about 25.07 billion U.S. dollars) during the May Day holiday, up 8 percent compared to the same period last year.
During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, tourists spent 42.73 billion yuan (about 5.94 billion U.S. dollars), up 5.9 percent from the same period last year, while takings at cinema box offices hit 460 million yuan (about 64 million U.S. dollars), a 20 percent year-on-year increase.
China's tax refund policy for departing tourists has stimulated spending among international visitors, the ministry said.
Between April 27 and May 26, the number of departure tax refund transactions processed by the country's tax authorities jumped 116 percent year on year, and sales at tax refund stores climbed 56 percent.
Driven by the new policy measures, 1,303 new departure tax refund stores were established across the country during the period, raising the total to 5,196, which was a 40 percent increase from the end of 2024.
On April 27, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including measures lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and broadening the range of products covered.
In the first five months of this year, China's retail sector also showed steady growth, with online sales rising 8.5 percent year on year while brick-and-mortar stores above a designated size saw a 4.5 percent increase.
In-store retail sales increased year on year, with convenience stores up 8.5 percent, specialty stores up 6.3 percent, and supermarkets up 5.7 percent during the period.
China's consumer market maintains stable growth in May: Ministry of Commerce
China's consumer market maintains stable growth in May: Ministry of Commerce
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
