China Industrial Profits Jump 14.4 Percent in September
China's large industrial firms saw profits rise 14.4 percent in September, driven by high demand for AI computing and digital infrastructure.
Profits at large industrial firms in China rose 14.4 percent year-on-year in September, marking a significant rebound from the 4.2 percent growth rate recorded in August. Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that cumulative industrial profits for the first nine months of 2026 increased 15.5 percent, a slight dip from the 15.7 percent growth seen through August.
The surge was primarily driven by the electronics and high-tech manufacturing sectors, which benefited from global demand for data centers, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence computing power. Profits for semiconductor device equipment makers increased by 51.7 percent, while profits for electronic special materials manufacturers more than tripled. Producers of raw materials such as aluminum and copper also saw gains linked to renewable energy and AI demand.
Despite these sectoral gains, overall growth remains tempered by a property downturn and persistently weak domestic demand, both of which continue to weigh on household consumption and the market for durable goods.
