China’s economy accelerated in the first quarter of this year, expanding 5% from a year earlier as it largely shrugged off impacts from the Iran war so far

The Chinese economy expanded at a faster pace in the first quarter due to resilient exports and front-loaded policy support, but signs of weakness have started to emerge as the war in Iran disrupts global supply chains.

China said its economy expanded by 5.0% in the first three months of the year, exceeding expectations, as the Iran war upends global trade but warned it faced “volatile” external conditions.

China's economy expanded 5% in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, according to official data on Thursday, surpassing analysts' expectations as policymakers prepare for potential fallout from the Iran conflict.

China's economy grew faster than expected in the first three months of the year, even as countries around the world feel the impact of the US-Israel war with Iran. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 5% in the period,

The Asian superpower has managed to stave off the initial impacts of the war in Iran, according to data released on Thursday

China’s economic growth rebounded more than expected in the first quarter, suggesting limited spillovers so far from the war in Iran and giving policymakers more time to be patient with stimulus.

China's economy picked up speed early in 2026 on ​strong exports and policy support, while retail sales growth slipped, with momentum fraying as the Iran war pushes up energy costs, cools ‌global demand and threatens to squeeze already-thin corporate margins.