By enterprise size, the PMI for large enterprises stood at 51.6, up 0.1 point from the previous month and above the threshold. The PMI readings for medium-sized and small enterprises came in at 49.0 and 49.3, respectively, up 1.5 points and 4.5 points month on month, though both remained below the threshold.

Looking at the sub-indices, the production index rose to 51.4, up 1.8 points from the previous month, pointing to faster manufacturing activity. The new orders index came in at 51.6, up 3.0 points, indicating a marked improvement in market demand. The employment index stood at 48.6, up 0.6 point from the previous month, suggesting a recovery in hiring conditions among manufacturing firms.

In addition, China's composite PMI output index stood at 50.5%, up 1.0 percentage point from the previous month. Remaining above the 50-point threshold, it indicates an overall improvement in business production and operating conditions.

Text/Graphics by Li Ruoyi