Quiet malls, full containers: The two-speed reality of the Chinese economy
The China that disappointed investors may not be the same one that is growing
Add BT as a preferred source
THE malls in Shenzhen were quieter than I expected. Designer stores had more staff than customers. The only crowds were in the food courts.
The headlines told a different story. Customs data showed that China posted a record trade surplus of nearly US$1.2 trillion in 2025. Exports rose 6.6 per cent year on year in December.
These two scenes can coexist; they describe an economy running at two speeds. The picture on the ground is more mixed than the headlines suggest.
TRENDING NOW
Lamborghini-driving boss of Eminent Frog Porridge charged with S$3.8 million tax evasion, money laundering
Not in education, employment or training: Why more Hong Kong youths are opting out of work
With AI, it’s not about coding better; workers need to think better: Koh Boon Hwee
Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan’s sell-downs point to pruning rather than an exit plan
