Global manufacturing PMI dips slightly in December

The global manufacturing sector remained largely stable at the close of 2025, with the Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropping 0.1 percentage point from previous month at 49.5 percent in December, according to data released by China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) on Wednesday.

The CFLP said the latest reading suggests that the global manufacturing PMI remained within the 49-50 percent range for the 10th consecutive month.

A reading below 50 percent generally indicates contraction in the sector, while a reading above signals expansion.

Regionally, Asia's manufacturing PMI increased from November, with the reading rising to above 51 percent. The European manufacturing PMI slightly dropped and remained below 50 percent.

The PMI for Africa's manufacturing sector elevated from the previous month, climbing back to above 50 percent. The Americas' manufacturing PMI declined in December, declining to below 48 percent.

While the global manufacturing sector maintained a pattern of "weak recovery" in December, the momentum has not been strong enough to provide effective support, and still needed further consolidation, according to the CFLP.

The average global manufacturing PMI for 2025 was 49.6 percent, representing an increase of 0.3 percentage point compared to 2024.

Experts noted that while the overall recovery strength in 2025 was marginally better than in 2024, the fact that the average index level remained below 50 percent suggests that the global recovery remains stable but weak.

Global manufacturing PMI dips slightly in December

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers