China to set 2019 GDP growth target of 6.0-6.5 per cent, sources say

14-Jan-2019

The proposed target was endorsed by top leaders at the annual closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in December

It will be unveiled at March’s annual parliamentary session, with data expected to show the economy grew around 6.6 per cent in 2018 – the weakest since 1990

China plans to set a lower economic growth target of 6.0-6.5 per cent in 2019 compared with last year’s target of “around” 6.5 per cent as Beijing gears up to cope with higher tariffs from the United States and weakening domestic demand.

The proposed target, to be unveiled at the annual parliamentary session in March, was endorsed by top leaders at the annual closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in December, according to four sources with knowledge of the meeting’s outcome.

Data later this month is expected to show the Chinese economy grew around 6.6 per cent in 2018 – the weakest since 1990.

Analysts are forecasting a further loss of momentum this year before policy support steps begin to kick in.

“It’s very difficult for growth to exceed 6.5 per cent, and there could be trouble if growth dips below 6 per cent,” said one source who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

As the world’s second-largest economy loses steam, China’s top leaders are closely watching employment levels as factories could be forced to shed workers amid the trade war with the United States, despite a more resilient services sector, policy insiders said.

Growth of about 6.2 per cent is needed in the next two years to meet the ruling Communist Party’s long-standing goal of doubling gross domestic product and incomes in the decade to 2020, and to turn China into a “modestly prosperous” nation.

“Considering employment, income and stability, we need growth of at least 6 per cent this year,” said one of the sources.

Adopting a range as a target would give policymakers room to manoeuvre amid uncertainties caused by a tit-for-tat tariff war with the United States, as the two sides strive for a possible deal to settle their differences before March.

The government plans to maintain a 3 per cent consumer inflation target for 2019 despite a recent softening in price rises, leaving some space for the government to stimulate weaker consumption.

Data this week showed China’s consumer inflation eased to 1.9 per cent in December from 2.2 per cent in November, below the government’s full-year target.

Chinese leaders have turned more pro-growth since the December meeting, softening a drive to rein in financial and debt risks, but they have ruled out “flood-like” stimulus.

“The pressure on the economy is quite big, and overall policy focus is stability this year and even next year,” said one of the sources.

The central bank is likely to pump out more cash by further lowering banks’ reserve requirements, following a broad-based cut this month, while trying to funnel more credit to small and private firms – vital for growth and jobs, policy sources said.

The annual budget deficit could rise from last year’s 2.6 per cent of gross domestic product, but is likely to be kept below 3 per cent, the sources said without giving specific figures.

Source: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST