BEIJING — China said Wednesday that retail sales rose 12.4% in May, missing expectations despite government efforts to boost spending and a major holiday during the month.

Analysts had expected retail sales to rise 13.6% in May from a year ago.

Consumer spending has lagged China’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. In April, retail sales climbed a less-than-expected 17.7% from a year ago.

Industrial production rose 8.8% from a year ago in May, less than the 9% growth forecast by analysts.

The overall unemployment rate for cities fell to 5%, but that for people aged 16 to 24 was 13.8%.

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