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China's factory activity growth hits 1-year high even as war risks heighten
China's manufacturing PMI hit 50.4 in March, driven by stronger output and orders, while rising raw material costs and Middle East tensions pose risks, officials said.
- On Tuesday, China's official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 from 49.0 in February, marking the fastest pace of growth in 12 months, according to the National Bureau of Statistics .
- Output and new orders climbed above 51 in March, yet rising bulk commodity prices pushed the raw material purchase-price sub-index to 63.9 from 54.8, squeezing manufacturers' margins despite improved activity.
- Factories accelerated work resumption after the nine-day Lunar New Year break in February, with NBS statistician Huo Lihui noting that PMI readings improved across companies of different sizes.
- Beijing's strategic oil reserves are helping cushion the economy against energy market volatility sparked by the regional conflict, though rising costs for factories relying on crude and oil-derived products remain a concern.
- Beijing targeted 4.5 per cent economic growth for the year, the least ambitious goal since 1991, as officials remain cautious about vulnerability to foreign shocks and global energy price spikes amid geopolitical tensions.
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China’s manufacturing activity returns to growth hits 50.4 in March
China’s official NBS Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in March 2026 from 49.0 in February, surpassing expectations of 50.1. This is the strongest reading since March last year, showing a rebound after two months of decline, aided by increased government
·United States
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China factories log fastest growth in a year as war risks loom large
BEIJING: China's factory activity grew at the fastest pace in a year in March, underpinned by improved demand, an official survey showed on Tuesday, a welcome relief for an economy grappling with global supply chain strains and energy market volatility.
·Malaysia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left12Leaning Right6Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
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