Morocco and China post robust growth in 2025

The World Bank’s latest economic outlook notes that Morocco’s real GDP expanded by 4.9% in 2025, the strongest pace in a decade. Growth was powered by accelerated public infrastructure spending linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a revival in agricultural activity, and modest inflation at 0.8%. The country’s fiscal deficit narrowed to 3.5% of GDP, though the report cautions that rising energy import costs from the Middle‑East conflict and slower demand from European partners could trim growth.

In China, the National Bureau of Statistics reported a 5.0% year‑on‑year rise in real GDP for the January‑March quarter, marking the first quarterly increase in five quarters. The surge reflects improved domestic demand and resilient external demand, positioning the economy to meet its 2026 growth target of 4.5‑5.0%. The government continues to support the economy through subsidies, infrastructure investment and equipment upgrades, but deflationary pressures persist, with the GDP deflator having been negative for twelve consecutive quarters. Risks remain from a sluggish real‑estate market and high local‑government debt levels.