China Ad Spend Growth Slowed in Q3

BEIJING: Growth in ad spending in China slowed to 3 percent in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter to reach RMB 175 billion ($26.3 billion), following double-digit increases earlier this year, according to Nielsen.

In Q2, the year-on-year growth rate was 12 percent, while in Q1 it was 18 percent. Quarter-to-quarter ad spend growth was 18 percent in the second quarter and 14 percent in the first quarter. The slowdown was blamed on the expiration of local stimulus policies and weak economic conditions in other parts of the world.

Toiletries was the biggest segment by adspend, showing a 25-percent year-on-year growth, while automotives showed the biggest gain, rising 39 percent when compared with the previous year.