China’s manufacturing activity returned to expansion in September, according to official data released Wednesday, ending two consecutive months of contraction.
The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.1 from 49.8 in August. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
A separate private survey by RatingDog put China’s manufacturing PMI at 52.1, its highest level in five months.
Reuters reported that improved weather conditions and stronger industrial demand linked partly to the global artificial-intelligence boom supported factory activity. New orders reached 50.5 while production rose to 51.7.
However, China’s economic recovery remains uneven, with weak consumption and investment and continued problems in the property sector.
SOURCES:
Reuters — Chinese factory activity expands in September
Associated Press — China factory activity returns to expansion
