Jinan's economy maintained steady growth in the first three quarters of 2026, with gains in industrial production, consumer spending, and foreign trade.

From January to August, value-added industrial output of enterprises above the designated size grew 4.7 percent year over year. Growth in automobile manufacturing, computer, communications, and other electronic equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and general-purpose machinery contributed a combined 4.4 percentage points to the overall increase.

Consumer spending also picked up. Shandong province's first Sam's Club opened in Jinan in May, generating more than 100 million yuan ($14.99 million) in sales during its first week. From January to August, retail sales of consumer goods by businesses above the designated size reached 146.87 billion yuan, up 8.8 percent year over year.

Foreign trade posted even stronger growth. Jinan's imports and exports totaled 262.27 billion yuan in the first three quarters, up 27.4 percent year over year, the fastest growth among cities in Shandong.

Investment in key projects is helping strengthen the city's industrial base. New energy passenger vehicle manufacturing projects, for example, have attracted suppliers of semiconductors, automotive seats, and tires, extending local supply chains and supporting the growth of industrial clusters. Meanwhile, 230 companies were operating in Jinan's aerospace and low-altitude economy in the first half of 2026, generating combined operating revenue of 17.06 billion yuan.

Economic growth is also creating jobs, with 161,500 new urban jobs added in the first eight months. In the fourth quarter, Jinan will prioritize industrial growth, investment, consumption, and foreign trade, while continuing to create a healthy environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Sam's Club store in Shandong province opens in Jinan in May. [Photo/WeChat account: Sam's Club]

Workers assemble a new energy vehicle at a manufacturing plant in Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: luwang]