Mainland China
Our Navigator research provides you with valuable insights and opinions from businesses around the world. As part of that research, we asked more than 10,000 business decision-makers across 39 markets, countries and territories to tell us how the current crisis has affected them and changed their plans for the near to mid-term future.
Introduction
Mainland China’s economy has rebounded faster than expected. Government investment in infrastructure has led the way, and we expect this sector, along with property, to keep driving growth in 2021. Export growth in pandemic-friendly products rose steeply in August (one month before our 2020 Navigator survey went live) and will stay resilient as big trade partners return to life. But recovery among domestic private businesses will depend on consumer spending picking up. And any escalation in geopolitical tensions will weigh heavily on business mood and investment.
Overview
Our 2020 Navigator survey results suggest cautious optimism from businesses in mainland China
On a par with global findings, over half of businesses in mainland China are adapting to a changing environment; the remaining proportions are equally split between surviving day-to-day and thriving. Expectations of sales growth in the next year are also in line with global views.
When it comes to international trade, though, Chinese companies are more positive about the outlook for the next 1-2 years than businesses globally or in APAC. Nonetheless, the majority think that international trade has become more difficult and see further challenges in the next year.
Chinese companies are tackling their challenges by strengthening intra-regional trade, investing appropriately, bolstering their supply chains and placing a greater focus on sustainability.
Current status of business
| Mainland China | Global | |
| Surviving day-to-day | 23% | 19% |
| Adapting to a changing environment | 55% | 58% |
| Thriving in the new normal | 22% | 24% |