The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly affected many lives, as indicated by widespread lockdowns and restrictions. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese household consumption. It employs the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data and finds that there was a significant decline in household consumption during the outbreak period. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the pandemic suppresses consumption in urban households; rural households are, however, less affected. Moreover, mobile payment promotes urban household consumption during the pandemic, while rural households remain unaffected. KEYWORDS COVID-19 pandemic; household consumption; mobile payment; urban-rural gap JEL CLASSIFICATION D12; E21; G51.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly affected many lives, as indicated by widespread lockdowns and restrictions. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese household consumption. It employs the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) data and finds that there was a significant decline in household consumption during the outbreak period. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the pandemic suppresses consumption in urban households; rural households are, however, less affected. Moreover, mobile payment promotes urban household consumption during the pandemic, while rural households remain unaffected. KEYWORDS COVID-19 pandemic; household consumption; mobile payment; urban-rural gap JEL CLASSIFICATION D12; E21; G51.

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