Industry output soars 16.6%

China's industrial output exceeded expectations, increasing 16.6% in the first five months of this year, reflecting strong internal and external consumer spending, Reuters reported, citing analysts. Retail sales were up 12.8% and exports rose 30% in May from one year earlier. Output didn't reach the 16.7% and 17.0% growth rates of 2004 and 2003 respectively. Analysts, however, questioned whether Beijing was successfully curbing investment and reining in its economic growth.