National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the governmental agency in China responsible for collecting and publishing a wide range of economic and social data. It provides crucial insights into the country's economic performance, demographic trends, and social development. The NBS is newsworthy due to its recent releases of key economic indicators and demographic data that reflect significant shifts in China's economy and society. Recent developments include the release of data showing a strong start to 2026 with rising retail sales and investment, rising consumer prices, a continued population decline with a record low birthrate in 2025, and a persistent slide in home prices. The NBS also unveiled the composition of China’s consumer price index (CPI) basket, with a shift towards services and new consumption goods. The NBS data is highly relevant as it provides a basis for understanding China's economic trajectory, informing policy decisions and influencing global economic forecasts.