Global manufacturing activity recovery remained weak in September, as the global manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) declined slightly from the previous month, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Sunday.
The global manufacturing PMI stood at 48.8 percent in September, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month, staying around 49 percent for three consecutive months, according to data released by the federation.
A reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.
By regions, Asia's manufacturing PMI was 50.7 percent in September, ending a trend of decline for two months in a row, with a slight increase of 0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The figure has remained above 50 percent for nine consecutive months.
The figure for Africa was 50.3 percent, up 1.9 percentage points from August.
Europe's manufacturing sector showed a downward trend in September, with the PMI falling 0.7 percentage points from the previous month to 47.3 percent.
The PMI for Americas was 47.8 percent in the month, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. However, as it has been running below 48 percent for three months in a row, the PMI figure shows that the manufacturing industry in the Americas remains weak.
Overall, the changes in the composite index indicate a slight decline in the recovery of the global manufacturing sector compared with August, and the overall recovery momentum still needs to be further strengthened.
Driven by the recovery of the Chinese economy, the manufacturing sector in Asia continues to serve as a stabilizer for global economic recovery.
Experts said that looking ahead to the fourth quarter, major countries around the world still have room and reasons to continue with accommodative monetary policies, while fiscal policies are also expected to continue their momentum, suggesting that the global economy is likely to further recover.
Global economic recovery remains weak as manufacturing PMI declines slightly
U.S. President Donald Trump posted "Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time!" on social media on Sunday, a message that appeared to signal a possible extension of the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 21, Trump threatened to hit and obliterate Iranian power plants if the country fails to fully open the strait within 48 hours. Two days later, he postponed strikes on power plants for five days, claiming to have held productive conversations with Iran.
On March 26, Trump again pushed the deadline back, saying that he will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, to April 6, the upcoming Monday at 20:00 Eastern Time. On Saturday, Trump reaffirmed that Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal on opening up the strait or face "Hell."
However, in the post on Sunday, Trump appeared to hint at extending the deadline for Iran to reopen the strait for another time.
In a post earlier Sunday, the U.S. president threatened that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one" for Iran, and again urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the threats, Trump said on Sunday that he believes a deal can be reached before the deadline, adding that Iran is currently negotiating. If Iran refuses, he said he is considering bombing everything and seizing Iran's oil.
Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, responded Saturday that the Iranian armed forces would not hesitate for a moment to defend the country's rights and protect national assets and will put the aggressors in their place.
Trump also claimed that earlier this year, the U.S. sent weapons to Iranian protesters through the Kurds, though he believes the Kurds took them.
He also said he was very satisfied with a recent operation to rescue the pilot of a U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace. He said Israel had assisted with the rescue, describing the bilateral relationship as big brother and little brother.
Trump hints at extending deadline for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz
