China’s light industry grew steadily in 2025, driven by consumer demand, policy support and stronger export diversification.
BEIJING: China’s light industry sector posted steady gains in 2025, according to new figures released by the China National Light Industry Council. The sector’s added value grew 5.3 percent year-on-year, while total revenue hit 23 trillion yuan, equal to roughly US$3.31 trillion.
The profit rate of the sector reached 6.04 percent, outperforming both the broader industrial sector and the manufacturing industry. The data signals robust performance across household goods, electronics and everyday consumer products.
A key growth factor was China’s nationwide trade-in programme, which drove strong domestic demand. In 2025, consumers purchased more than 129 million home appliances and 12.5 million electric bicycles under the scheme. Retail sales of 11 major product groups climbed 7.8 percent to 8.67 trillion yuan, raising their share in total consumer goods sales to 17.3 percent.
Exports remained a vital pillar of light industry output. The sector contributed US$911.46 billion in export value last year, accounting for 24.2 percent of the country’s total exports. Among 22 major light industry categories, 11 reported annual growth.
Notably, exports to Belt and Road Initiative countries rose by 1.3 percent, while shipments to the European Union jumped 7.9 percent. The data reflects an ongoing strategy to diversify trade partners and strengthen global market presence.
China Central Television highlighted the role of targeted policy in bolstering consumer confidence and supply chain efficiency. The sector’s expansion reinforces its importance in supporting the Chinese economy through a blend of domestic consumption and international trade.
China’s light industry continues to adapt to shifting market dynamics, combining innovation with traditional strengths to drive sustainable growth.
