Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

The global manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged up for three consecutive months to stand at 50 percent in January, continuing the steady recovery trend since the fourth quarter of last year, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Thursday.

The index, a key metric in assessing economic health for manufacturing, was up 0.5 percentage over December 2024, marking a good start for the global manufacturing sector in 2025.

Asia's PMI declined by 0.4 percentage over the previous month to reach 50.7 percent in January, staying above 50 percent for 13 months in a row and showing a relatively stable recovery momentum.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

The manufacturing PMI for the Americas was 50.9 percent, up 1.3 percentage points from December. This marked a notable return to the expansion zone after nine months, indicating a stronger recovery of the manufacturing sector in the American continent.

Meanwhile, the index of Europe saw an increase of one percentage but remain below 50, at 47.8 percent, indicating that the recovery has gained strength but remains weak overall.

Africa's manufacturing PMI fell to 49.4, a 0.8-percentage-point drop from the previous month, reflecting unstable recovery in the continent.

Analysis suggests that a smooth start for the global manufacturing sector will lay a better foundation for a stable upward trend in the world economy in 2025. Major international institutions maintain their expectations for stable global economic performance this year.

However, it is believed that the global economic recovery is still gripped by the three main issues of inadequate internal impetus for demand, geopolitical conflicts and increased trade frictions.

With geopolitical conflicts in some regions showing no obvious signs of cooling down, the disturbance to the world economy will persist. Trade frictions, mainly the imposition of tariffs, will also have an uncertain impact on global recovery in 2025. But at the same time, more and more countries have recognized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in maintaining the resilience of economic recovery.

Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

Global manufacturing PMI picks up for three consecutive months

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela