BEIJING, April 18 Reuters China39;s economy grew at a faster than expected clip in the first quarter, official data showed on Tuesday, expanding 4.5 yearonyear, as policymakers move to bolster growth following the end of strict COVID19 curbs in December.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected gross domestic product GDP to expand 4.0 from a year earlier, quickening from 2.9 in the fourth quarter.

On a quarterbyquarter basis, GDP grew 2.2 in JanuaryMarch, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed, compared with expectations for a 2.2 increase and a revised 0.6 rise in the previous quarter.

Recent data suggest the economy is rebounding after disruptions caused by the sudden lifting of COVID19 curbs in December, led by consumption, services and infrastructure, but easing inflation and surging bank savings are raising questions over the strength of domestic demand.

The government has set a modest target for economic growth of around 5 for this year, after badly missing the 2022 goal.

Reporting by Kevin Yao and Joe Cash Editing by Shri Navaratnam

Source Reuters