Chinese retail sales growth hits three-year low, highlighting economic headwinds

China’s official data shows that retail sales growth in November slowed to its weakest pace in nearly three years, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy as consumer demand softens amid broader financial pressures and a struggling property sector. Officials acknowledged that weaker retail activity reflects cautious household spending and uneven recovery, and they have reiterated commitments to policies that stimulate domestic consumption and support economic stability. Analysts say the slowdown highlights deeper structural issues that Beijing must address to sustain long-term growth, even as exports and other sectors continue to show resilience.