Executive Summary
- China’s natural disasters caused 217 billion yuan ($30.47 billion) in direct economic losses during the first three quarters of 2025.
- Over 530,000 hectares of crops were impacted by natural disasters across China.
- China’s Ministry of Emergency Management reported these significant economic and agricultural tolls on October 16, 2025.
The Story So Far
- China’s natural disasters during the first three quarters of 2025 have caused 217 billion yuan ($30.47 billion) in direct economic losses, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. This financial damage is coupled with a major agricultural toll, as over 530,000 hectares of crops have been affected, highlighting a significant strain on the national economy and food supply chains.
Why This Matters
- China’s natural disasters in the first three quarters of 2025 have inflicted a substantial direct economic loss of $30.47 billion, highlighting a significant financial burden on the nation, and simultaneously impacted 530,000 hectares of crops, which could disrupt food supply chains and affect farmer livelihoods.
Who Thinks What?
- China’s Ministry of Emergency Management reported that natural disasters resulted in 217 billion yuan ($30.47 billion) in direct economic losses during the first three quarters of 2025.
- The Ministry also indicated that these disasters impacted 530,000 hectares of crops, highlighting significant agricultural damage.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management announced on Thursday, October 16, that natural disasters across the country have resulted in 217 billion yuan ($30.47 billion) in direct economic losses during the first three quarters of 2025. The disasters also impacted 530,000 hectares of crops, underscoring the significant agricultural and financial toll on the nation.
Economic Impact
The reported financial damage, equivalent to approximately $30.47 billion, highlights the substantial economic burden imposed by these events. This figure encompasses various forms of direct loss, from infrastructure damage to disruptions in local economies.
The calculation is based on an exchange rate of $1 to 7.1226 Chinese yuan renminbi.
Agricultural Losses
Agricultural sectors bore a considerable brunt, with over half a million hectares of crops affected. Such widespread damage to farmland can have implications for food supply chains and farmer livelihoods within China.
Summary
The Ministry’s report provides a clear snapshot of the immediate economic and agricultural challenges China faces from natural disasters in the initial nine months of 2025.
