The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector came in at 49 in April, down 1.5 percentage points from March, official data showed on Wednesday.
Despite the drop, high-tech manufacturing continued to expand, with its PMI reaching 51.5, significantly outperforming the broader manufacturing sector, according to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics and China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
The new orders index for consumer goods manufacturing stood at 50, indicating stable domestic demand, the data showed.
The data also showed that the business activity expectation index for April stood at 52.1, remaining in the expansion range, reflecting optimism among enterprises.
"Business still have strong confidence in market development. The business activity expectation indexes for industries such as food, wine, drink, tea, automobile, railways, ships, aviation, and aerospace equipment were in a relatively prosperous range of 58 and above," said Huo Lihui, director of the business climate department of the Service Survey Center under the National Bureau of Statistics.
While global trade fluctuations have posed challenges to China's manufacturing industry, its large-scale market and complete industrial supply chain have continued to provide resilience against external shocks, ensuring economic stability, according to experts.
"China is irreplaceable in the global manufacturing sector, particularly in its supply chain capabilities. Meanwhile, China has more advantages in digitalization and smart technology than other economies," said Hu Dajian, vice president of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
China's manufacturing PMI at 49 in April
China's manufacturing PMI at 49 in April
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
