Beijing (AFP) – Industrial activity in China grew slightly again in September, according to official data published this Wednesday, which is a positive sign for the Asian giant's leaders after two months of contraction.
First modification: 09/30/2026 - 16:06
The management purchasing index, a key indicator of industrial health, stood at 50.1 points this month, just above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction.
These figures from the National Statistics Office (ONE) coincided with the forecast of the economists consulted by the financial agency Bloomberg and represented an improvement compared to the 49.8 and 49.2 units registered in July and August, respectively.
Huo Lihui, a statistician at the ONE, said in a statement that this shows "that there has been a recovery in economic conditions."
The official highlighted that "three key industries are showing rapid expansion," including equipment manufacturing, high-tech manufacturing and consumer goods.
Beijing seeks to maintain the pace despite other obstacles such as trade frictions with Washington and a deep-rooted crisis in the real estate sector that has scared consumers.
On Monday, the Chinese government announced "a package of gradual, pragmatic and effective policy measures" to support the economy, including mortgage subsidies and increased central bank support.
The export boom, supported by strong demand abroad for electronic products for artificial intelligence, has served as a lifeline in the face of weak domestic consumption.
© 2026 AFP
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