Large quantities of wind power equipment are gathering at the dock of the Oriental Port Branch Company of Lianyungang Port in Jiangsu Province, awaiting shipment for export, May 31, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose from 50 in May to 50.3 in June, returning to expansion territory and marking its second-highest reading this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Meanwhile, the non-manufacturing PMI covering the construction and service sectors came in at 50.2 in June, up from 50.1 in May.
The data suggested the overall level of economic activity picked up this month, NBS statistician Huo Lihui said.
A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.
Manufacturing output and demand both expanded in June, with particularly strong performance seen in sectors such as agricultural and sideline food processing, special-purpose equipment, computers, communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing.
High-tech manufacturing also gathered pace, with business activity strengthening in equipment manufacturing and consumer goods industries.
Huo said business confidence improved, with enterprises in sectors such as special-purpose equipment, railways, shipbuilding, aerospace equipment, and electrical machinery remaining upbeat about industry prospects.
In the non-manufacturing sector, service sector expansion accelerated, with business expectations continuing to rise, and the construction industry also showed signs of improvement.
Commenting on Tuesday's data, Wu Wei, an analyst with the China Logistics Information Center, said pent-up demand in investment and consumption is expected to be released more quickly, further consolidating the foundation for the country's steady economic recovery.