Dongguan's economy maintained steady momentum from January to April 2025, backed by robust industrial output, resilient foreign trade, and a recovering consumer market, according to the latest government data.
1. Industrial
Large-scale industrial production continued to lead the way, with value-added output expanding by 6.4% year-on-year. High-performing sectors included electronics, electrical machinery, and chemicals, while high-tech manufacturing and advanced industries maintained double-digit growth. The surge in high-value product output, such as servers, sensors, and integrated circuits, underscored Dongguan's ongoing transition toward innovation-driven manufacturing.
2. Foreign trade
Foreign trade also saw a notable rise, with total imports and exports increasing by 19.4%. The city's total imports and exports reached RMB 486.35 billion. Imports soared by 32.6% to RMB 194.75 billion, while exports grew by 11.9% to RMB 291.6 billion. April alone saw a 14.7% year-on-year growth in total trade volume, reinforcing Dongguan's pivotal role in global supply chains.
3. Consumer market
The city's consumer market continued to recover, with retail sales rising 4.0% to RMB 149.7 billion. Retail sales of furniture, communication devices, building materials, and office supplies surged by 113.6%, 75.3%, 38.2%, and 22.8%, respectively. Basic consumer goods also saw solid growth, with grain, oil, and food sales up 56.6%, and tobacco and alcohol sales up 39.3%. E-commerce remained a bright spot, with online sales from major retailers rising 35.2%, reflecting strong digital consumption habits.
4. Fixed asset investment
However, fixed asset investment declined 14.0%, reflecting ongoing pressure in the property sector. While infrastructure spending showed signs of improvement (+8.6%) and industrial investment decline moderated (-3.2%), real estate development (-36.6%) continued to contract sharply. The investment structure is gradually improving, with a growing share flowing into manufacturing sectors, reaching 54.6%.
5. General public budget revenue
From January to April, Dongguan's general public budget revenue rose 3.1% to RMB 29.07 billion, while expenditures remained steady at RMB 34.9 billion. By the end of April, total deposits at financial institutions grew 6.6% to RMB 2.85 trillion, including a 11.7% increase in household deposits. Loans grew 2.5% to nearly RMB 2 trillion.
6. Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 1.0% year-on-year, driven by declines in most major categories. Prices for clothing, transport and communication, daily goods and medical services all decreased, with only"other goods and services" showing a slight rise (+2.6%).
Dongguan's economic performance in the first four months of 2025 demonstrated strong industrial momentum and growing consumer confidence, even as investment challenges remained. With continued support for innovation, infrastructure, and consumption, the city is expected to maintain its steady path toward high-quality growth.
