China: Desperately Seeking a New Engine

The Chinese are providing American consumers with cheaper goods. By doing so, the Chinese are increasing the purchasing power of American consumers, who are doing what they do best; they are shopping. It’s a gain for the US economy, which is getting better economic growth with lower inflation. It’s a loss for Chinese consumers, who are facing deflation and higher unemployment and dealing with the consequences of the bursting of their property bubble. China’s rapidly aging demographic profile is only exacerbating these problems.