The World Bank has slashed its growth outlook for China’s economy, as nearly three years of “zero-COVID” curbs and a real estate slump weigh on the world’s second largest economy.
In its latest forecast on Tuesday, the Washington, DC-based institution cut China’s expected growth for 2022 to 2.7 percent, down from 4.3 percent in June.
China’s projected growth for next year was slashed from 8.1 percent to 4.3 percent.
“Economic activity in China continues to track the ups and downs of the pandemic – outbreaks and growth slowdowns have been followed by uneven recoveries,” the World Bank said in a statement.
“Real GDP growth is projected to reach 2.7 percent this year, before recovering to 4.3 percent in 2023, amid a reopening of the economy.”
Mara Warwick, World Bank country director for China, Mongolia and Korea, said China’s “continued adaptation” of its pandemic policies would be crucial to the country’s economic recovery and public health.
“Accelerated efforts on public health preparedness, including efforts to increase vaccinations, especially among high-risk groups, could enable a safer and less disruptive re-opening,” Warwick said.
The World Bank said that China’s economy faced significant non-pandemic-related risks, too, including the uncertain global outlook, climate change, and “persistent stress” in the real estate market amid a crackdown by Beijing on excessive lending.
“Continued macroeconomic policy support will be needed, as growth is expected to remain below potential and the global environment is weakening,” said Elitza Mileva, World Bank lead economist for China.
“Directing fiscal resources towards social spending and green investment would not only support short-term demand but also contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth in the medium term.”