Report on China’s Q3 Economic Performance and Sustainable Development Goal Implications

Economic Growth and Decent Work (SDG 8)

China’s economic growth slowed in the third quarter, posing challenges to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Official data indicates a deceleration that impacts the country’s ability to sustain economic momentum and create decent work opportunities.

• The economy expanded by 4.8% year-on-year in the three months to the end of September, the weakest rate in a year.
• This represents a slowdown from the 5.2% growth rate recorded in the previous quarter.
• The government’s annual growth target of “around 5%” faces pressure from sluggish domestic spending, despite incentive programs aimed at boosting consumption.
• The National Bureau of Statistics noted that the economy demonstrated resilience, with the service sector, including IT support and logistics, showing growth.

Industry, Innovation, and Sustainable Communities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

Performance related to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) presents a mixed picture. While innovation in key industries is a positive driver, a severe downturn in the property sector threatens urban sustainability.

1. Industrial Innovation: Industrial output grew by 6.5% in September from a year earlier. High-growth sectors included 3D-printing, robotics, and electric vehicles, reflecting progress in sustainable industrialization and innovation as per SDG 9.
2. Infrastructure and Housing Crisis: The property sector, which accounts for approximately one-third of the economy, continues to struggle. Real estate investment fell by 13.9% in the year leading up to September.
3. Impact on Sustainable Cities: The housing market downturn, marked by falling home prices and abandoned developer projects, directly undermines the stability and sustainability of cities, a core tenet of SDG 11. This sector is considered a major long-term drag on economic growth.

Global Partnerships and Responsible Production (SDG 17 & SDG 12)

International trade dynamics and resource management policies have significant implications for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Trade Tensions and Partnerships: Renewed trade tensions with the United States challenge the global partnerships necessary for sustainable development. China’s imposition of export controls on rare earths, which are critical for global electronics production, has strained relations.
• Resource Management: The control over rare earth minerals highlights the intersection of global supply chains and the sustainable management of natural resources, a key target of SDG 12.
• Economic Interdependence: Prior to the recent flare-up, Chinese exports to the US had risen by 8.4% in September, demonstrating the economic benefits of stable trade partnerships.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Planned meetings between US and Chinese officials aim to ease tensions, underscoring the critical role of diplomacy in maintaining the international cooperation required to achieve global sustainability goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article’s primary focus is on China’s economic growth, discussing its slowdown to 4.8%, the government’s target of “around 5%”, and the factors influencing it, such as domestic spending and government support measures. This directly relates to the goal of sustaining economic growth.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The text highlights the performance of China’s industrial and technology sectors as key drivers of the economy. It mentions that “industrial output grew by 6.5%” and specifically names innovative industries like “3D-printing, robotics and electric vehicles manufacturers” as strong performers, connecting to the goal of promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article details significant problems in China’s property sector, which “accounts for about a third of the Chinese economy.” It describes a “sharp downturn, marked by falling home prices, shrinking sales and instances of developers abandoning their projects.” This directly concerns the provision of adequate and stable housing, a key component of sustainable cities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article extensively discusses international trade dynamics, specifically the “trade tensions with the US,” the imposition of “controls on its exports of rare earths,” and the threat of “100% tariffs on imports from China.” It also mentions efforts to “ease tensions” and the rise in China’s exports, which are all central to the theme of global partnerships and trade systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.

   The article is centered on China’s national economic growth, reporting a rate of 4.8% and mentioning the government’s goal of “around 5%.” This directly addresses the concept of sustaining economic growth according to national circumstances.

2. Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.

   The growth in China’s “industrial output” by 6.5% and the specific mention of high-performing technology sectors like robotics and electric vehicles point towards efforts to promote and strengthen industrialization as a core part of the economic strategy.

3. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

   The discussion of the struggling “property sector,” “falling home prices,” and the fact that housing is a “major drag on China’s economic growth” highlights the challenges related to ensuring access to adequate and stable housing for the population.

4. Target 17.11: Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular with a view to doubling the least developed countries’ share of global exports by 2020.

   The article provides a specific figure for export performance, stating that “China’s exports rising by 8.4% in September.” This directly relates to the goal of increasing exports from developing countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP.

   The article explicitly provides this indicator by stating that China’s economy “grew by 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024,” and compares this to the previous rate of 5.2% and the national target of “around 5%.”

2. Indicator 9.2.2: Manufacturing output as a proportion of total GDP.

   While not giving a direct proportion, the article provides a proxy indicator by stating that “China’s industrial output grew by 6.5% last month from a year earlier.” This figure measures the performance and growth of the manufacturing and industrial sector.

3. Indicators related to housing market stability.

   The article implies several indicators for Target 11.1, such as the rate of real estate investment, which “fell 13.9% in the year up to September.” Other mentioned metrics include “falling home prices” and “shrinking sales,” which are used to measure the health and stability of the housing market.

4. Indicator 17.11.1: Developing countries’ and least developed countries’ share of global exports.

   The article provides a direct measure of export performance by stating that “China’s exports rising by 8.4% in September.” This percentage growth serves as an indicator of the country’s export activity.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com