Tianjin Posts Strong Q1 Growth

A report from en.tj.gov.cn Apr. 22th, 2026：

An aerial view of the Tianjin skyline. [Photo/Jinyun App]

Tianjin has kicked the year off strong, reporting a 5 percent year-on-year GDP increase in the first quarter.

High-tech manufacturing emerged as a key growth driver, with added value rising 11.8 percent. Sectors such as electronic and communication equipment, pharmaceuticals, and medical instruments all posted double-digit gains. Output of new-energy vehicles, integrated circuits, and optical fiber surged by 78.1 percent, 64.8 percent, and 31.0 percent, respectively, highlighting the rapid expansion of advanced manufacturing.

Investment in high-tech industries also picked up speed, climbing 20.5 percent. Investment in high-tech services jumped 36.0 percent, particularly in information and R&D services.

Consumption showed signs of steady recovery, boosted by a vibrant Spring Festival holiday. Sales from 473 major retail and catering enterprises reached 2.97 billion yuan ($435.41 million), up 8.1 percent, while foot traffic exceeded 20 million. Overall retail sales grew 2.8 percent in the first quarter, with faster growth in essential and upgraded goods.

Employment and income indicators remained positive. The city added 73,900 new urban jobs, and per capita disposable income rose 4.6 percent, with rural incomes growing faster than urban ones. Increased public spending on education, healthcare, and social security further strengthened people's sense of well-being.