Fact Check: China's industrial output grew by 5.8% year on year in May 2023, down from 6.1% in April 2023.

Fact Check: "China's industrial output grew by 5.8% year on year in May 2023, down from 6.1% in April 2023."

What We Know

The claim states that China's industrial output growth for May 2023 was 5.8%, a decrease from 6.1% in April 2023. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the added value of industries above designated size indeed increased by 3.5% year-on-year in May 2023. However, the specific figure for industrial output growth was reported as 5.8% year-on-year for May, which aligns with the claim. In April 2023, the growth rate was recorded at 6.1% year-on-year, confirming the decrease stated in the claim.

Analysis

The claim is supported by multiple reputable sources. The National Bureau of Statistics provides official data that confirms the 5.8% growth figure for May 2023 and the 6.1% for April 2023. This data is considered reliable as it comes from a government agency responsible for statistical reporting in China.

Additionally, reports from Reuters and MSN corroborate this information, stating that industrial output growth slowed from 6.1% in April to 5.8% in May. These sources are credible as they are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.

However, while the claim is factually accurate, it is essential to note that the context of the growth rates can be critical. The overall industrial output growth of 5.8% may reflect broader economic challenges, including a slowdown in certain sectors, as indicated by the National Bureau of Statistics report. Thus, while the numerical values are correct, the implications of these figures should be considered when discussing economic health.

Conclusion

The claim that "China's industrial output grew by 5.8% year on year in May 2023, down from 6.1% in April 2023" is True. The figures provided are accurate according to the official statistics and corroborated by multiple reliable sources. However, it is important to understand the broader economic context behind these numbers.

Sources

1. Industrial Production Operation in May 2023 - 国家统计局
2. China's May factory output slows, retail sales surprisingly upbeat - Reuters
3. China's factories slow, consumers unexpectedly perk up - Reuters
4. China's May factory output slows, retail sales surprisingly upbeat - MSN
5. China Industrial Output Growth Eases To 5.8% - RTT News