On May 6, the State Taxation Administration of China announced that during the 2025 Labor Day holiday (May 1?5), nationwide sales in consumer-related industries increased by 15.2% compared to the same period last year. This statistic is based on recent value-added tax (VAT) receipt data.
During this holiday period, government policies encouraging the replacement of old home appliances played a significant role in boosting consumption. Sales of home appliances and telecommunications devices surged by an impressive 167.5% year-on-year, demonstrating explosive growth. Demand for new energy vehicles and experiential tourism services also showed a marked increase.
The household goods and jewelry sectors also recorded high growth rates. Furniture sales rose by 1.7 times, while sales of hygiene products increased by 68.7%, kitchenware by 30.1%, and lighting fixtures by 15.7%. Reflecting a consumer trend that emphasizes eco-friendliness and health, sales of eco-friendly transportation such as bicycles grew by 1.1 times, and health supplements increased by 5.5%. Jewelry sales also rose by 14.4%, influenced by the rise in gold prices.
Both online and offline distribution sectors performed strongly. Overall sales in general distribution increased by 28.7%. Offline, department stores rose by 34.5% and supermarkets by 8.9%, respectively. In the online sector, internet-based distribution businesses recorded a high growth rate of 34.7%.
Meanwhile, interest in experiential tourism services also increased. Sales in the tourism and entertainment service sectors grew by 6.1% year-on-year, indicating a revitalization of cultural and leisure consumption.
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