China’s economic slump could last until April, say economists

With China transitioning to living with Covid-19, Beijing will be focused on boosting economic growth. - AP

BEIJING (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): China’s reopening after three years of zero-Covid is a lifeline for its battered economy, but it could take until April 2023 to see any signs of growth.

Economists say the surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, after many pandemic restrictions were rolled back on Dec 7, is causing a health crisis that could lead to widespread disruption, with expectations that the economy will contract this quarter and the next.