Guangdong’s Economic Slowdown Reflects Broader Trade Strains

Guangdong, once China's economic powerhouse, now grapples with weakening growth as US-China trade tensions persist. The province's 3.5% expansion last year fell short of targets for the third consecutive year, lagging behind the national 5% growth rate. Shenzhen remains a bright spot, maintaining its status as China's tech hub, while Guangzhou and Foshan saw meager growth of 2.1% and 1.3% respectively.

The region's export-driven economy, which recorded $821 billion in overseas sales last year, remains vulnerable to Washington's 30% tariffs. Shuttered factories and quiet streets paint a stark contrast to Guangdong's historic role as China's primary trade gateway since the 1957 Canton Fair.

Despite its GDP surpassing South Korea's after a 220-fold per capita increase since 1978, the province now faces structural challenges beyond trade wars. The migration of low-cost manufacturing began reshaping Guangdong's economy well before recent geopolitical tensions.