China's light industry registers steady growth between 2021 and 2024.
The sector expanded exports and jobs during the 14th Five-Year Plan.
By Bianca Penteado, from Beijing – During the period of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China's light industry registered steady growth, driven by strengthened production capacity. This progress is highlighted in the most recent survey by the National Council of Light Industry of China.
In 2024, the country counted approximately 140 companies in the sector classified above the designated size, responsible for generating 17,92 million jobs. These companies generated 23,2 trillion yuan in operating revenue and recorded profits of 1,5 trillion yuan.
In the same year, exports from light industry totaled US$925,4 billion, representing 25,9% of China's total exports. This result positions the segment as the leader among all the country's export sectors for the fifth consecutive year.
The Chinese government's goal is to increase the operating revenue of light industry to more than 30 trillion yuan (approximately US$4,22 trillion) by 2030, representing an average annual growth rate of at least 5%.