<h1>China's economy slows in July with drops in factory output, retail sales, housing prices amid trade tensions</h1> China's economy showed signs of slowing in July with declines in factory output, retail sales, and housing prices amid ongoing uncertainty over tariffs on exports to the United States. Despite a temporary truce in the trade war leading to a surge in exports and imports, industrial growth slowed from 6.8% to 5.7%, and investments in factory equipment and property dropped significantly. The property market crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic and developer defaults, weakened consumer spending and increased unemployment. Government efforts to stabilize the housing sector have not yet revived sales. Wholesale prices also fell, indicating weak demand, while consumer prices rose modestly. The economic slowdown reflects the combined impact of trade tensions, a faltering property market, and reduced domestic consumption.