Archive · 18 Nov 2025
China Slashes Budget Spending, Slowing Economic Growth
China spent less money in October than it has in a long time, which is slowing down the country's economic growth.
This is because the government is trying to control debt risks and is waiting to use more stimulus later.
Even though the government has added some new ways to help the economy, it hasn't fully helped yet.
Overall, the government spent less money in the first 10 months of the year compared to last year, which is making the budget deficit bigger.
China's fiscal spending slumped 19% in October, the most since at least 2021
Budget expenditure fell to 2.37 trillion yuan ($334 billion), the lowest since July 2023
Investment, driven largely by budget expenditure, posted an unprecedented decline in October
Fresh stimulus added since late September is yet to fully boost the economy
China's broad budget deficit for the first 10 months of the year was 8.6 trillion yuan, up 20% from last year
- Who
- The Chinese government
- What
- Slowed down economic growth by reducing budget spending
- When
- In October 2023
- Where
- China
- Why
- To control debt risks and save stimulus for later use
Government's Perspective
Economists' Perspective
Government Spending
Government's Perspective
The government believes that the current spending level is appropriate to meet the 2023 growth target and control debt risks.
Economists' Perspective
Economists argue that the significant decrease in government spending may weigh on economic growth and investment.
Timing of Stimulus
Government's Perspective
The government plans to fully deploy stimulus measures in 2024 to ensure growth and employment stability.
Economists' Perspective
Economists suggest that the government could use more stimulus now to boost the slowing economy.
- Spending Change
- 19% decrease in October 2023 compared to October 2022
- Total Spending
- 2.37 trillion yuan ($334 billion) in October 2023
- Economic Growth Target
- Around 5% for 2023
- Budget Deficit (Jan-Oct 2023)
- 8.6 trillion yuan, up 20% from 2022
- Stimulus Added
- 500 billion yuan in new policy financing tools and 500 billion yuan in special local government bond quota