British Business in China: Sentiment Survey

The British chambers of commerce in China have published the 2025–2026 Sentiment Survey, reflecting the perspectives of more than 300 British businesses operating across the Chinese mainland. The survey comes at a time of continued economic uncertainty, increased geopolitical complexity and renewed UK–China government engagement.

This year’s findings show that operating conditions remain challenging, but optimism for 2026 is the highest since before the pandemic, particularly in sectors aligned with China’s development priorities.

Key Survey Findings

The 2025–26 Sentiment Survey paints a picture of a difficult operating landscape, but with clear areas of resilience and opportunity:

Operating conditions remain difficult: Almost 60% of British firms report worsening conditions this year, continuing a six-year trend. Education, manufacturing and parts of the built environment were especially affected.
Revenue expectations have improved: 38% of firms expect higher revenue in 2025, up from 33% last year. Only 28% expect declines, the same as last year.
Optimism is rising: Firms are more optimistic about 2026 than any year since before COVID-19, with notable improvements among legal, financial services, healthcare, creative industries and sport.
Investment remains steady: Around a third of companies plan to increase investment in 2025–26, and most will maintain current levels. Only a small minority expect to reduce investment.
Companies are adapting rather than divesting: Firms are expanding into lower-tier cities, deepening collaboration in healthcare and life sciences, supporting Chinese companies going global and benefitting from renewed demand for sport, entertainment and experience-based consumption.
UK–China engagement is improving business confidence: The resumption of the Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) and JETCO in 2025 has already created clearer regulatory pathways for legal and financial services and improved channels for interpreting policy changes. A potential Prime Ministerial visit in 2026 is expected to build further momentum.

A Challenging but Stabilising Landscape

British businesses report that China remains a complex and highly competitive market. The domestic economy remains subdued and regulatory expectations continue to evolve. However, several sectors are beginning to stabilise, and firms with specialised capabilities are finding opportunities in priority areas such as healthcare, financial and legal services, creative industries and sport.

Renewed UK–China Engagement

The survey highlights growing confidence in UK–China government engagement. The EFD and JETCO meetings have already delivered practical operational improvements, particularly for services companies. Businesses also report that closer dialogue with government is helping interpret policy developments and raise operational challenges more effectively.

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The British Business in China: Sentiment Survey 2025-26 measures the outlook of British businesses across the country for 2026, representing the voices of our members across goods and services, from small businesses to large multinationals with on-the-ground operations.