Part 5/10:
Accompanying this decline in confidence is a notable spike in youth unemployment, leading the government to suspend the public release of this data. The ramifications of such economic volatility, combined with demographic troubles caused by previous policies like the one-child policy, compound the concerns surrounding China's growth trajectory.
Alarming Trends in Consumer Behavior
Many economists do not foresee substantial growth in Chinese exports amid global economic slowdowns, particularly given the significant trade shrinks with the U.S.—China's leading trading partner. Consumption patterns reveal continued weakness; despite some areas, like travel and car sales, experiencing temporary boosts from government support, durable goods sales overall are faltering.