China’s Provincial Growth Diverges as Big Provinces Lead

China’s provincial growth diverged in the first quarter, with larger economies generally posting stronger results while some regions slowed.

Fifteen of the Chinese mainland’s 31 provincial-level regions matched or exceeded the national year-on-year growth rate of 5%, according to Caixin calculations based on government data.

Xizang, a smaller economy, led at 6.1%, with economic hubs Shandong and Zhejiang close behind at 6%. Beijing, Gansu, Shanghai and Anhui also grew more than 5.5%, with the first three at 5.9% and Anhui at 5.8%.

China’s Provincial Growth Diverges

Provinces with more advanced industrial structures and stronger export momentum tended to perform better, while those reliant on heavy industry lagged.