Beijing, Dec. 31 (BNA): Chinese factory activity rose in December as supplies dipped and export demand waned, a survey showed on Friday.
The monthly PMI released by the national statistics agency and an industry group rose to 50.3 from 50.1 in November on a 100-point scale as numbers above 50 show an acceleration of activity.
Chinese manufacturing has been hampered by a shortage of some components including semiconductors and charging disruptions. Some regions have ordered factories to close temporarily from September to meet official energy efficiency targets.
The measure of new orders improved to 49.7 from 49.4 in November, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing and the National Bureau of Statistics, although demand remains weak. The export orders index fell from 48.5 to 48.1.
“The overall recovery of the Chinese economy is more evident,” said economist Zhang Liqun in a statement issued by the union, according to the Associated Press.
However, he said, the country needs to “enhance the overall effect of the policy of expanding domestic demand” and get industrial supplies flowing smoothly.
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