Sales revenue of manufacturing sector up 4.8 pct in Q1

China's manufacturing sector achieved strong sales growth in the first quarter of this year, fueled by advancements in high-tech and intelligent technologies, according to data by the State Taxation Administration.

From January to March, sales revenue in the manufacturing sector increased by 4.8 percent from the same period last year, 0.9 percentage points higher than the average rate of 2024, the data showed.

Notably, sales revenue in the high-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors grew by 12.1 percent and 9.7 percent year on year, respectively. Among these sectors, computer manufacturing, communication equipment manufacturing, and special equipment manufacturing for the electronics industry all saw double-digit growth in the first three months of this year.

Meanwhile, intelligent upgrading in the manufacturing sector is advancing quickly. In the first quarter, sales revenue in digital product manufacturing grew by 12 percent year on year, and spending on digital technology by manufacturing companies increased by 8.7 percent.

Sales revenue from industrial robot manufacturing and service consumer robot manufacturing rose by 12.4 percent and 55.4 percent, respectively.

In addition to technological advancements, China's manufacturing sector is embracing a green transformation. In the first quarter, energy-intensive industries contributed 29.2 percent to total sales revenue, marking a 1.4 percentage point drop compared to the same period last year.

Sales revenue of manufacturing sector up 4.8 pct in Q1

Sales revenue of manufacturing sector up 4.8 pct in Q1

Sales revenue of manufacturing sector up 4.8 pct in Q1

China's manufacturing sector reports 4.8 pct sales revenue growth in Q1

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked