As the global economy faces multiple uncertainties, Yunnan Province in southwest China has demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving steady economic growth through distinctive development strategies. In 2025, guided by the "Three Positioning" initiative and the "3815" strategic development goals, the province accelerated its modernization process across five key areas, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.
Steady Economic Expansion With Optimized Structure
According to official statistics, Yunnan's regional GDP reached 3.28 trillion yuan ($454 billion) in 2025, representing a 4.1% year-on-year increase at constant prices. This growth highlights the province's economic vitality, with structural optimization providing strong momentum for high-quality development.
Primary Industry: Stable Growth With Specialty Agriculture
The primary sector recorded a 3.1% increase, reaching 432 billion yuan. Agricultural output totaled 703.5 billion yuan, with grain production exceeding 20 million metric tons for the first time. Specialty agricultural products showed particularly strong performance:
- Vegetables: 32.2 million tons (+4.2%)
- Fruits: 15.8 million tons (+6.3%)
- Tea: 611,500 tons (+4.3%)
- Coffee: 170,700 tons (+13.7%)
- Medicinal herbs: 1.27 million tons (+14%)
Secondary Industry: Transformation With Strong Momentum
The industrial sector grew by 2.9%, with value-added output from large-scale industries increasing by 4.5%. Notably:
- Non-tobacco and non-energy industries grew 8.1%, contributing 72.9% to industrial growth
- Non-ferrous metals sector expanded 14.2%
- Equipment manufacturing and high-tech industries both grew over 17%
- New energy battery production surged 75.9%
Tertiary Industry: Service Sector Driving Growth
The service sector expanded 5.1%, contributing significantly to economic growth. Key highlights included:
- Internet services revenue grew 35.6%
- Scientific research and technical services increased 12.3%
- Multimodal transport and logistics rose 36.7%
Green Development and Clean Energy Leadership
Yunnan's commitment to ecological protection is reflected in its energy structure. Clean energy accounted for 87.6% of total power generation, up 1.3 percentage points year-on-year. Hydropower remained dominant at 3.3 trillion kWh (+5.6%), while solar power surged 33.7% to 40.1 billion kWh.
Consumer Market Recovery and New Consumption Trends
Total retail sales reached 1.28 trillion yuan (+2.4%), with notable growth in:
- Communication equipment (+46.9%)
- Cultural and office supplies (+31.7%)
- Online retail sales (+30.9%)
Investment Focus on Sustainability
While overall fixed-asset investment declined 7%, green energy investments showed strong growth:
- Wind power investment +54.3%
- Power supply investment +45%
- Hydropower investment +18.5%
Price Stability and Improved Livelihoods
The consumer price index remained stable, while per capita disposable income grew 4.6% to 31,311 yuan. Urban residents earned 46,699 yuan (+3.1%), with rural incomes rising 6.1% to 18,514 yuan. The urban unemployment rate averaged 5.2%.
Future Outlook
As Yunnan enters the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan period, the province remains committed to high-quality development and economic transformation. The continued implementation of the "3815" strategic goals will be crucial for maintaining sustainable growth momentum.