On October 31, 2026, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Chinese state‑owned enterprises posted a total net profit of 3.31 trillion yuan—about US$497.5 billion—in the first nine months of the year, a 3 percent increase from the same period in 2025. The announcement came after the ministry of finance released the data and the agency highlighted the mixed financial picture.
According to the agency’s report, the operating revenue of these companies fell 3.2 percent to 60.01 trillion yuan, indicating a decline in sales and earnings amidst global economic uncertainty. The debt‑to‑asset ratio at the close of September was 65.5 percent, a key indicator of the sector’s leverage.
“These numbers reflect the results of China’s ongoing effort to reform its state‑owned sector and improve its efficiency,” the Saudi Press Agency stated, citing the Chinese Ministry of Finance’s statement that the figures align with the government’s March‐released work plan for the year.
China’s reform agenda seeks to restructure the capital base of these state‑owned enterprises, driving a shift toward greater operational efficiency and a leaner balance sheet. The Ministry of Finance noted that the 3 percent profit rise, while modest, demonstrates resilience in the face of domestic and global headwinds.
Financial analysts observing the sector point out that the decline in operating revenue and the elevated debt‑to‑asset ratio could signal challenges ahead. However, the slight profit improvement suggests that the reforms may already be delivering incremental returns.
The report also mentioned that the numbers were corroborated by the Arabic‑language summary released by the Saudi Press Agency, which included local financial context and highlighted the broader implications for trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and China.
