China

Zhōngguó

中国

March

3 yuè

3月

official

guānfāng

官方

manufacturing sector

zhìzàoyè

制造业

PMI (Purchasing Managers Index)

PMI

PMI

rose to

shēng zhì

升至

50.4

50.4

50.4

，

to set

chuàng

创

in nearly a year

jìn yī nián

近一年

highest level

zuìgāo shuǐpíng

最高水平

。

New Words

News in English

China Official Manufacturing PMI Rises to 50.4 in March, Best Reading in Nearly a Year

China National Bureau of Statistics reported that the official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in March 2026, beating expectations of 50.1 and ending two consecutive months of contraction, signaling improved momentum in the manufacturing sector.

The National Bureau of Statistics announced on March 31, 2026 that China's official manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) for March rose to 50.4, higher than February's 49.0, also exceeding market expectations of 50.1. This is the first time the index rebounded above the 50-point expansion threshold after two consecutive months of contraction, also the strongest reading in nearly a year. Sub-index data showed that the output index rose to 51.4, while the new orders index significantly rebounded to 51.6, reflecting noticeably improved domestic demand. The new export orders index rebounded to 49.1 from last month's 45.0, indicating external demand also showed a degree of recovery. The National Bureau of Statistics chief statistician stated that factories accelerating production resumption after Chinese New Year is an important reason for this data rebound. However, rising raw materials and logistics costs placed pressure on businesses' profitability, with the input prices index surged to 63.9. Analysts pointed out that the Middle East situation's energy cost pressure and external demand uncertainty will still constrain subsequent manufacturing trajectory.

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