Profits at China's industrial firms above a designated size increased 15.7 percent year on year in the first eight months of 2026, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Monday. These industrial firms, with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan, saw their combined profits reach 5.27 trillion yuan. For August alone, profits ⁠rose 4.2 percent from a year earlier. Profits in computer, communication, and other electronic equipment manufacturing led gains, jumping 110 percent in the first eight months. By contrast, the wine, beverages and refined tea manufacturing industry was among the worst performers, with profits falling 34.7 percent. (Xinhua/Reuters) Edited by Tony Sabine