China's high-tech boom kicks off 2026 with record 16.1% sales surge

China's high-tech sector has started 2026 with strong growth, recording a 16.1 percent rise in sales during the first two months of the year. Multiple industries within the sector reported double-digit increases, signalling robust momentum in technological innovation and development.

The core digital economy led the way with a 10.8 percent increase in sales. Digital product manufacturing climbed by 13.3 percent, while digital technology application industries grew by 11.9 percent. Corporate spending on digital technologies also rose by 10.8 percent overall, with manufacturing firms increasing their purchases by 16 percent.

High-technology manufacturing saw a 14.5 percent jump in sales. Key drivers included the low-altitude economy, commercial space activities, and consumer electronics. Aerospace equipment manufacturing surged by 28.5 percent, followed by electronic and communication equipment manufacturing, which grew by 18.4 percent. Sales in research and technical services rose sharply by 23.6 percent. Natural scientific research and experimental development also expanded by 17.4 percent. Meanwhile, high-tech services increased by 17.2 percent, with technology intermediary services leading at 25.6 percent growth. Intellectual property-intensive industries, such as patent-heavy sectors, recorded a 12.8 percent rise in sales. The growth aligns with China's 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan, which prioritises investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, batteries, robotics, biotechnology, and rare earths to strengthen domestic innovation and strategic independence.

The first two months of 2026 have shown significant expansion across China's high-tech industries. With multiple sectors achieving double-digit growth, the figures reflect a strong push toward technological advancement and innovation. The trend supports the country's broader strategy to boost self-reliance in key high-tech areas.