China’s economic recovery is heavily reliant on consumers spending, but a new plan may not be enough to achieve this goal. The government has proposed various measures to boost consumption, including installing more lifts in multi-storey buildings and extending the hours of children’s clinics during flu season.
However, critics argue that these efforts might not be sufficient to stimulate consumer spending. The country’s consumers are already showing signs of fatigue, with many opting for cheaper alternatives or delaying purchases due to economic uncertainty.
To address this issue, China needs to adopt more effective strategies to drive consumer spending. Some experts suggest that the government should focus on improving productivity and competitiveness, rather than relying solely on stimulus packages. Additionally, policymakers must create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, which can help drive growth in key sectors such as technology and manufacturing.
Ultimately, China’s economic recovery will depend on its ability to stimulate consumer spending and drive long-term growth. The success of this plan is far from certain, and it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to achieve the desired outcome.
Source: https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/03/17/can-anything-get-chinas-shoppers-to-spend