South China's Guangdong province reported solid economic growth in the first half of 2025, with its gross domestic product reaching 6.87 trillion yuan ($958 billion), a 4.2 percent year-on-year increase.

The tertiary sector led the expansion with 4.6 percent growth, followed by the primary and secondary sectors at 4.2 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. Provincial statistics authorities noted that the economy maintained a steady recovery trend as macroeconomic policies took effect.  

Industrial production grew by 4 percent, with manufacturing output rising 4.5 percent. Key industries delivered a robust performance, particularly electronics manufacturing with 7.3 percent growth, electrical machinery at 7.8 percent and automotive production increasing 7.2 percent.

Advanced manufacturing and the high-tech sectors expanded by 5.9 percent and 6 percent respectively, accounting for over half of total industrial output.

Production of new energy vehicles, industrial robots and lithium batteries saw particularly strong growth, with civilian drone output surging by 58.2 percent.  

The services sector grew 4.6 percent overall, with logistics and financial services outpacing the average at 6.6 percent and 7 percent growth. While fixed asset investment declined 9.7 percent, industrial upgrading continued with automotive and energy sector investments rising sharply.

Consumer spending increased 3.5 percent, led by strong online retail sales growth of 20.3 percent and double-digit increases in categories including sports equipment and jewelry.

Overall, the data is said to reflect Guangdong's ongoing economic transformation towards higher-value manufacturing and digital services.

The renovated interior of the Guangzhou Olympic Sports Center. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]