The sharp recovery of instant noodle sales in China has reinforced debate over a controversial economic topic: are consumers downgrading their consumption due to fears about the outlook? The debate is important because the Chinese government is counting on consumer spending to help support the economy amid the trade war with the United States. If consumers hold back on their spending, it could mean growth may slow faster than expected. Consumption of instant noodles in mainland China and Hong Kong started falling after 2014, partly because cheap takeaway meals were being heavily subsidised by food delivery start-ups. ... (full story)