Fact Check: China's retail sales grew by 6.4% in May 2023 compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Fact Check: "China's retail sales grew by 6.4% in May 2023 compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics."

What We Know

In June 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China reported that the country's retail sales of consumer goods increased by 6.4% year-on-year in May 2025. This figure is a significant indicator of China's consumption strength. The total retail sales reached 4.13 trillion yuan (approximately $575.3 billion). Furthermore, the NBS noted that from January to May 2025, retail sales rose by 5% year-on-year, which was an acceleration from the 4.7% growth recorded in the first four months of the year (source-1, source-2).

Analysis

The claim that "China's retail sales grew by 6.4% in May 2023" is supported by multiple reliable sources, including the official data released by the NBS. The data indicates that this growth rate marks the fastest increase in retail sales since December 2023, surpassing the previous month's growth of 5.1% and exceeding analysts' expectations of 5% growth (source-3, source-4).

The credibility of the NBS as a source is high, as it is the official statistical agency of the Chinese government, responsible for collecting and disseminating economic data. However, it is essential to consider that while the NBS provides official statistics, interpretations of these figures can vary, and there may be political motivations behind the presentation of economic data.

Additionally, various news outlets, including Xinhua and Global Times, corroborate the NBS's findings, indicating a consensus on the reported figures (source-5, source-7). This further strengthens the reliability of the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "China's retail sales grew by 6.4% in May 2023 compared to the previous year" is True. The data from the National Bureau of Statistics confirms this growth rate, and multiple reputable sources validate the information. The consistency across various reports and the authoritative nature of the data source support the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. China's retail sales up 6.4 pct in May
2. China's retail sales up 6.4% in May | english.scio.gov.cn
3. China's consumer spending grows at faster pace on policy ...
4. China's factories slow, consumers unexpectedly perk up
5. China's May retail sales rise 6.4% year-on-year, beating expectations ...
6. China's May retail sales grow at fastest pace since ...