**China’s consumer sentiment starts to improve, surveys show**
**By Kristopher Fraser**
SHANGHAI, China – Chinese consumers are starting to feel more confident about the economy, according to surveys released in the past few days. This is good news for brands and retailers, who have been struggling with a slowdown in consumer spending in recent months.
The most recent survey, conducted by the China National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that the consumer confidence index rose to 108.3 in July, up from 107.1 in June. This is the highest level since March, when the index stood at 109.0.
The NBS survey also showed that消费者们对未来收入的预期有所改善。7月份，预计未来收入将增加的消费者比例从6月份的49.8%上升至50.6%。
Another survey, conducted by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), showed that consumer confidence rose to 96.2 in July, up from 95.3 in June. This is the highest level since February, when the index stood at 97.5.
The CCIEE survey also showed that消费者对未来经济状况更加乐观。7月份，预计未来经济状况将改善的消费者比例从6月份的45.5%上升至47.2%。
Analysts say the improvement in consumer sentiment is likely due to a number of factors, including the government’s stimulus measures and the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
The government has introduced a number of measures to boost consumer spending, including tax cuts, subsidies, and increased infrastructure spending. These measures are starting to have an impact, as consumer spending rose by 3.1% in June, the fastest pace since March.
The gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions is also boosting consumer sentiment. As more businesses reopen and consumers feel more confident about going out, spending is likely to increase.
The improvement in consumer sentiment is a positive sign for the Chinese economy. Consumer spending accounts for about 60% of China’s GDP, so an improvement in consumer confidence is likely to lead to an increase in economic growth.
However, analysts caution that the recovery in consumer sentiment is still fragile. The global economic outlook remains uncertain, and there is a risk that the Covid-19 pandemic could flare up again. As a result, it is too early to say whether the improvement in consumer sentiment will be sustained..
