China's Factory Activity Sees Growth in March, Signaling Economic Recovery
After a five-month contraction, China's manufacturing sector expanded in March, marking a potential turnaround for the world's second-largest economy.
- China's official purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 50.8 in March, indicating expansion for the first time in six months.
- The increase in PMI suggests an improvement in domestic supply and demand, alongside rising business and consumer confidence.
- New export orders entered positive territory, breaking an 11-month slump, although employment rates continued to decline.
- The non-manufacturing PMI, covering services and construction, also increased, reaching its highest level since September.
- Analysts have begun to upgrade their growth forecasts for China, but caution that further stimulus may be needed to achieve the 5% economic growth target set for 2024.
The Japan Times 
South China Morning Post 
Financial Post 
Associated Press 
CNA 