The average quarterly disposable income of China's urban residents reached 3,293 yuan (US$412) in the first quarter, up 12.1 percent year on year.

 

The growth rate was 10.8 percent, taking inflation into account, up 2.2 percentage points over the same period last year, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show.

 

An NBS survey of 56,000 urban families showed that wages accounted for 2,461 yuan of average disposable income, up 13.9 percent year on year. Net income from business operations was 220 yuan, 19.9 percent.

 

In the first three months, consumer expenditure rose by 11.1 percent to 2,244 yuan on average. The growth rate was 9.8 percent taking inflation into account 2.6 percentage points higher.

 

Food expenditure rose by 5.7 percent, clothing by 11.9 percent, household costs and services 10.3 percent, and transportation and communication 25.5 percent.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2006)