Fiscal revenue increased 5.7% year-on-year from January through August, edging down from the 5.8% growth recorded in the first seven months. The moderation points to a broadly steady pace of government revenue collection as policymakers continue to support economic activity.
Fiscal expenditure also recorded a marginal slowdown. Government spending rose 1.2% year-on-year during the January-August period, compared with a 1.3% increase in the first seven months, the ministry data showed.
The figures come as Chinese authorities signal continued readiness to use fiscal and financial policy to support the economy in the second half of the year.
China’s policymakers have indicated that fiscal measures could be adjusted as economic conditions develop, with government spending and financial support remaining important tools for sustaining growth.
Last month, Vice Finance Minister Liao Min said authorities were preparing additional measures to bolster the economy.
“[Authorities] were preparing new fiscal-financial support measures to roll out in the second half of this year and Beijing will refine its policy toolkit as economic conditions evolve,” Liao said.
The latest fiscal figures provide an early indication of how government revenues and spending are evolving as Beijing navigates economic challenges and seeks to maintain momentum through the remainder of 2026.
With revenue growth remaining above the pace recorded earlier in the year and expenditure continuing to increase, policymakers are expected to closely monitor fiscal conditions as they determine the scale and timing of further support measures.