As calls mount for Chinese consumers to spend more to help fix global imbalances, it appears they have learnt at least one lesson from their US counterparts – bigger is better when it comes to flat-screen televisions.

During China’s Golden Week national holidays this month, a shopping season similar to Thanksgiving in the US, the average size of flat-screen TV sets sold was above 37 inches – firmly ahead of the US average, according to industry executives and analysts.