China sees a sharp deterioration in economic conditions in March with consumers and factories hit by the COVID-19 outbreak and shutdowns, although growth in the first quarter may have picked up due to a strong start at the start of the year.
As a Reuters poll showed Monday's data is expected to show GDP growth of 4.4%, in the January-March period compared to the previous year, outpacing the fourth-quarter pace of 4%, Because of the sudden strong start in the first two months.
According to Arabiya Net, a survey showed that GDP growth is expected to decline on a quarterly basis to 0.6% in the first quarter from 1.6% in October and December.
Analysts say separate data on March activity, particularly retail sales, is likely to show a sharper slowdown after being hit hard by China's tough efforts to contain the largest coronavirus outbreak since the virus was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019.
Analysts say the April data is likely to be worse as the lockdown continues in Shanghai and elsewhere. Some economists say recession risks are rising.
