Fact Check: "Cumulative industrial profits fell 1.1% in the first five months of 2025."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that cumulative profits at major industrial firms in China fell by 1.1% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline is attributed to several factors, including a significant drop in global commodity prices and a fierce price war affecting various sectors, which has negatively impacted profitability (CNBC, Reuters). The statistics bureau noted that insufficient domestic demand and lower prices for industrial products were key contributors to this decline (CNBC).
Analysis
The claim that cumulative industrial profits fell by 1.1% is supported by multiple credible sources. For instance, both CNBC and Reuters reported the same figure, confirming consistency across reputable news outlets. CNBC elaborated that this decline marked a continuation of a troubling trend for Chinese industrial firms, which have faced significant challenges in maintaining profitability amid fluctuating market conditions (CNBC).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations known for their economic reporting. The data presented aligns with broader economic trends observed in China, where industrial profits have been under pressure due to external and internal economic factors. The mention of a 9.1% plunge in May alone further underscores the volatility in the sector (CNBC, NBC Philadelphia).
In contrast, the other sources listed, such as various online calculators, do not provide relevant information regarding industrial profits and are not credible in this context. Their content focuses on mathematical tools rather than economic analysis, which diminishes their reliability for this claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that cumulative industrial profits fell by 1.1% in the first five months of 2025 is accurate, supported by multiple credible sources reporting consistent data. The economic context provided by these reports reinforces the validity of the claim, highlighting the challenges faced by the industrial sector in China.