Ways to Cut China's Overproduction
- Yu Yongding suggests fiscal and monetary expansion to tackle China's overproduction.
- The proposal aims to address the controversial feature of China's economy.
- Implementing these measures could help cut China's overcapacity.
Concerns regarding China's economic stability, particularly overcapacity, have been raised but are deemed excessive and manageable. Over the past 40 years, China has transitioned from a planned economy to a market-oriented one, frequently addressing overcapacity issues. Notably, in 2003, the government took decisive action against overcapacity in the steel sector, resulting in the closure of numerous mills. The aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis saw a significant economic slowdown, prompting massive investments that led to a remarkable recovery, with a 10.6% growth rate in 2010. As inflation peaked in March 2011, the Chinese government prioritized curbing inflation, leading to a reduction in the budget-deficit-to-GDP ratio and a decline in new credit. However, the production capacity from previous investments was already emerging, and inflationary pressures began to ease. Critics argue that the government's stringent fiscal and monetary policies may have been unnecessary, suggesting that a more moderate approach could have fostered higher GDP growth in subsequent years. To address current economic challenges, experts advocate for a more expansionary fiscal and monetary policy. This strategy aims to alleviate macroeconomic overcapacity, which reflects a lack of effective demand, while simultaneously allowing market mechanisms to address sector-specific overcapacity. Furthermore, while China must navigate international trade dynamics, it is crucial for the country to comply with World Trade Organization regulations, avoiding protectionist measures that could hinder global trade relations.