This episode contains segments on:
- China October macroeconomic data;
- Fourth Germany-China high-level financial dialogue;
- State Council 14th November executive meeting;
- New guidelines on regulatory reforms in the cosmetics industry.
The European Chamber is conducting a flash survey on China’s export controls among members. Please fill out the survey before 21st November to influence our advocacy strategy.
Contact:
We’d love to hear your feedback. Contact us at website@europeanchamber.com.cn.
Follow the European Chamber on LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat (europeanchamber), and sign up for our newsletter here, to get notified on new episodes.
Read more:
China October macroeconomic data (NBS)
https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202511/t20251114_1961856.html
https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/202511/t20251114_1961852.html
Fourth Germany-China high-level financial dialogue
https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202511/18/content_WS691c59a0c6d00ca5f9a07a4c.html
State Council 14th November executive meeting
https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202511/15/content_WS6917cf51c6d00ca5f9a0798e.html
New guidelines on regulatory reforms in the cosmetics industry
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/gzwj/gzwjhzhp/20251117143349149.html
Transcript:
RUI: Hello and welcome to China ShortCuts,
XINHE: the European Chamber’s weekly catchup on China’s business landscape.
RUI: This episode was recorded on 19th November 2025.
(MUSIC)
XINHE: According to macroeconomic data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics on 14th November, the mismatch between supply and demand growth continued in October.
RUI: Industrial production rose 4.9 per cent year-on-year. This was the slowest rate of increase recorded since August 2024, but still faster than the pace of retail sales growth, which was 2.9 per cent in October. This reading, too, indicated the slowest pace of increase since last August. Regarding industrial production, growth was recorded in 29 of the 41 sectors surveyed. Automotive manufacturing stood out with an especially high uptick of nearly 17 per cent compared to the same period last year. As for retail sales, while consumption in the catering industry picked up in October, the expansion in goods sales narrowed for the fifth month in a row.
(MUSIC)
XINHE: On 17th November, German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil co-chaired the fourth Germany-China High-Level Financial Dialogue in Beijing with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
RUI: According to a joint statement released by China’s Ministry of Finance, the dialogue reached 27 points of consensus. These included continued cooperation within various international frameworks, including the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the World Trade Organization. As for their bilateral policy research cooperation mechanism between the two countries’ finance ministries, exchanges on key issues, including fiscal sustainability will be strengthened, according to the statement. The two sides also agreed to further enhance cooperation in the areas of banking and insurance regulation and supervision, and will encourage further collaboration between their respective financial technology service providers, as well as more investments into each other’s financial services markets.
(MUSIC)
XINHE: On 14th November, Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting that set out new steps to balance supply and demand for consumer goods, and increase spending.
RUI: In alignment with the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan confirmed at the fourth plenum, the State Council meeting concluded that consumption upgrading must steer industrial upgrading. In addition, they pledged more support for firms offering more distinctive, high-quality goods and will encourage production to adapt more quickly to customer demands. The meeting also called for faster and simpler project approvals, greater investment in R&D, data and brands, and a wider use of long-term loans. Talent training and top-level education will be expanded to serve innovation and strategic goals. Draft amendments to the Trademark Law were also approved for submission to the legislature.
(MUSIC)
XINHE: On 17th November, China’s National Medical Products Administration issued guidelines on enhanced regulatory reforms in the cosmetics industry.
RUI: The 24-point document calls for further support for innovation and for encouraging the launch of new, international cosmetic products in China, including by exempting such products from the requirement to submit proof of overseas sales. The guidelines also propose focused R&D efforts so that the cosmetics industry can tap further into the silver economy, with products targeting the country’s ageing population; and for safety management and supervision of the industry to be further optimised and streamlined.
(MUSIC)
XINHE: To better understand how China’s export control regime impacts our members, the European Chamber has launched a flash survey. The deadline for participation has been extended until 21st November.
RUI: The results of the survey will be used to help further our advocacy on this important topic on behalf of impacted member companies. Invitations to take part in the survey have been sent out via email to primary contacts of all member companies resident in China.
XINHE: Don’t miss your chance to participate, as your insights will directly influence our advocacy strategy. Your answers will ensure that we align our efforts to the real challenges and opportunities faced by our members.
(MUSIC)
RUI: Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to tune in again next week.
XINHE: In the meantime, please find useful links in the episode notes.