Since reaching the briskest pace of economic growth on record a year ago, the economy has cooled since as noted here, weakened in part by decelerating growth in industrial production. While output remains robust by historical standards, it is slowing from its peak 19.4% year-over-year growth in the second quarter of last year to just 16.0% by Q2 of this year.

Heavy industry continues to outperform light industry, as China focuses on infrastructural development. Even so, both gauges have slowed over the last year, responding to weaker exports described here. Manufacturing of equipment and machinery climbed over 21% from the first half of last year, while textile production is up only 12.7%.

Source：globecotnews