Economy Talk

If China's retail sales only rose 1.1%, who is buying all the stuff?

Serious question, asked in an unserious way. China grew 4.5%, exports up 16%+, but September retail sales up only 1.1%.

So the factories are cranking and Chinese shoppers are sitting it out. That means it's us, right? Every time I order a phone case I'm personally keeping China's growth target on track. You're welcome, Beijing.

But for real: is exporting your way to growth sustainable when your own people aren't spending? Or does it just move the problem onto everybody else?