The Chinese economy slowed more than expected in the first quarter, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Friday.
The gross domestic product expanded 8.1 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2012, slower than the fourth quarter's 8.9 percent increase. Economists were looking for a growth slowdown to 8.4 percent.
Separately, the statistical office reported that the industrial production grew 11.9 percent year-on-year in March, compared with expectations for a 11.5 percent expansion.
Retail sales increased 15.2 percent annually in March while expectations were for a 14.8 percent rise.
Urban fixed asset investment expanded 20.9 percent during the three months ended March, slightly slower than the 21 percent increase forecast.
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