China's Industrial Profits Increase 4.3% in January-April

China's industrial profits increased by 4.3% in the first four months of the year, maintaining the same growth rate observed in the first quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In April alone, profits rose by 4.0%, a rebound from a 3.5% decline in March. This data covers firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan ($2.76 million).

The rise in industrial profits follows an unexpected slowdown in factory output and retail sales, indicating an uneven economic recovery. NBS statistician Wei Ning noted that domestic effective demand remains insufficient and the external environment is complex and severe. The electric vehicle sector has also been affected by fluctuating demand and a price war in China's auto market. Despite these challenges, the steady profit growth suggests that some measures to stabilize the economy have had a positive impact.