Guangdong Province in South China, a major economic powerhouse, reported a 4.5 percent year-on-year growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) in the first half of 2026, according to data released by the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics on July 23. The provincial GDP reached 7.23 trillion yuan during the period.
The added value of the primary industry rose 3.8 percent to 224.89 billion yuan, while the secondary industry expanded 4.7 percent to 2.73 trillion yuan. The tertiary industry, or the service sector, increased 4.5 percent to 4.27 trillion yuan.
Industrial production posts relatively fast growth
Industrial production maintained relatively fast growth. The added value of industrial enterprises above designated size climbed 5.8 percent year on year in the first half, edging up 0.4 percentage points from the first-quarter pace. By sector, the mining industry grew 8.8 percent, manufacturing rose 5.4 percent, and the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas and water increased 8.9 percent.
The electronic information industry remained a key pillar and a primary growth driver. In particular, the added value of the computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing sector surged 11.6 percent, contributing 56.9 percent to the total growth of industrial enterprises above designated size.
Service sector grows steadily, consumer market operates smoothly
The service sector registered steady expansion, with its added value up 4.5 percent. Within this sector, the financial industry grew 8.5 percent; information transmission, software and information technology services rose 8.2 percent; and leasing and business services increased 9.3 percent.
Consumer market operations were generally stable. Total retail sales of consumer goods grew 1.3 percent year on year. Retail sales of goods by enterprises above designated size via public online platforms increased 8.3 percent. Per capita disposable income of residents reached 29,667 yuan, with rural residents' income growing at a faster pace than urban residents'.
Investment in equipment and tools purchase maintains rapid growth
While fixed-asset investment declined 11.4 percent in the first half, investment in the purchase of equipment and tools posted strong growth of 22.4 percent. High-tech industry investment climbed 9.8 percent, with computer and office equipment manufacturing investment skyrocketing 67.7 percent and internet-related services investment leaping 399.5 percent.
The Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics noted that despite rising external uncertainties and persistent domestic excess supply over demand, the province's economy remained generally stable in the first half. The cultivation of new quality productive forces has accelerated, residents' income continued to grow steadily, and the economy's resilience has been further strengthened.
Reporter: Xie Maishi
Photo: Nanfang Plus
Huang Yawen (Intern) also contributed to the report.
