China’s total retail sales increased 12.7 per cent in the first half.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, total retail sales of consumer goods reached 11.07 trillion yuan (about US$2 trillion) during the first half year.

Retail sales in urban areas reached 9.6 trillion yuan, up 12.5 per cent and in rural areas 1.5 trillion yuan, up 14.3 per cent.

Sales in the catering sector topped 1.2 trillion yuan, 4.5 per cent lower than during same period last year, while retail sales of goods totalled 9.9 trillion yuan, 1.3 per cent lower than last year.

Furniture sales grew 21.3 per cent while household appliances and audio-video equipment rose 15.3 per cent.

In June, the total retail sales of consumer goods rose 13.3 per cent year-on-year.