MERICS Members Briefing - Economic Indicators Q4 2025: Record trade surplus masks domestic fragility​

We are delighted to invite you to a MERICS Members Briefing on China’s economic trajectory at the outset of 2026. Based on the upcoming edition of the MERICS Economic Indicators, our quarterly analysis on China’s economic data, our experts will provide you with an update on the latest trends and their impact on Europe. Please join us for an exclusive 30-minute online briefing for MERICS Members and key stakeholders on January 27 from 9:00 to 9:30 CET. 

The Q4 2025 economic data about to be released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the coming days will set the tone for a year of fundamental decisions for China’s economic course. Although China achieved a record trade surplus of 1.2 trillion US Dollars in 2025, other key data such as fixed asset investments suggests China faces an uphill battle to keep growth momentum high in 2026. In late December, the Central Economic Work Conference placed boosting domestic demand front and center in efforts to steer China’s economy towards a smoother and more sustainable course. In March, Beijing will reveal its 15th Five Year Plan and lay out China’s economic priorities for the rest of the decade. The details of what is finally decided will have strong consequences for Europe. 

MERICS analysts Jacob Gunter and Alexander Brown will analyze the latest data and discuss the conclusions that China’s economic policymakers are drawing from it.

Please note that the meeting is confidential and by personal invitation only. This online event is part of our portfolio for MERICS Members and key stakeholders.