Jilin

Jilin is part of China's northeast 'rust belt' alongside Liaoning and Heilongjiang—once the country's industrial center before 1970s reforms. The region lost market share to eastern provinces since the 1990s amid rising debt and population outflows. However, both Jilin and Liaoning recorded net population influx for the first time in over a decade. Jilin achieved above-average GDP growth in 2023 (exceeding 6%), joining the turnaround narrative. The province remains a major equipment and machinery base with strengths in automotive manufacturing. Changchun serves as the automotive capital, hosting FAW Group (First Automotive Works)—China's oldest automaker. The province contributes to the northeast's role as heavy industrial base for iron/steel, petrochemicals, and automobile manufacturing. Agricultural production includes significant grain and corn output from fertile plains.