According to the OECD, Chinese subsidies were estimated to be three to eight times larger than those offered by comparable developed economies in 2024. Despite this narrower definition, the IMF concludes that Chinese subsidies have increased substantially over the past decade. One of the IMF’s most significant findings is that China is far from being the only country relying heavily on industrial subsidies. Such developments could weaken the rules-based international trading system that has supported decades of global economic integration. Critics warn that protectionism could raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains and slow global economic growth.