China's gross domestic product likely grew 10.2% in the last three months of 2006, down from 10.4% in the previous quarter, according to a Bloomberg survey of 18 economists. The official figure is set to be released January 25. The slowdown in growth is expected in response to land use curbs and an interest rate rise implemented in a bid to ease inflation fears. One economist said the immediate challenge for China is mopping up the money created by a 74% increase in the trade surplus to US$177.5 billion in 2006 so it isn't plowed into investment. According to Ma Kai, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, full-year growth in 2006 came to 10.5%, the fourth consecutive year of 10%-plus expansion.