BOFIT Forecast for China 2016–2018 / 1

Abstract

Economic growth in China continued to slow in 2015, with annual GDP growth coming in at slightly below 7 %. Even with the negative market reactions to lower growth, there is little change in the long-term outlook. The modest slowing trend in growth will continue and China will move ahead with structural adjustments to its economy. As in our earlier forecasts, we expect the Chinese economy to grow at around 6 % p.a. in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, growth will slow to around 5 %. As China’s economy opens up to the world, it faces new risks that require more transparent policy responses. China’s high (and rising) debt-to-GDP ratio makes it increasingly susceptible to severe economic disturbances.