China's Manufacturing PMI Stands at 49.0 for April, Optimism Persists
The decline in the manufacturing PMI, following two months of growth, can be linked to the current difficult global economic conditions and the ongoing tariff war initiated by the US.
TroibNews 
China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for April was reported at 49.0, a decline of 1.5 points from the previous month, as indicated by data from the National Bureau of Statistics released on Wednesday. A PMI reading above 50 suggests economic expansion, while a figure below 50 indicates contraction.
This decrease in the manufacturing PMI follows two consecutive months of growth and is largely due to the current adverse global economic conditions and the ongoing tariff conflict initiated by US President Donald Trump's administration.
Among the various components of the PMI, the supplier distribution time index was recorded at 50.2, down 0.1 points from March's figures, suggesting that the delivery times for manufacturing raw materials continue to speed up.
In contrast, non-manufacturing business activity still showed signs of expansion, with a reading of 50.4, compared to 50.8 in March, which contributed to a comprehensive PMI for China of 50.2, remaining above the crucial threshold.
The Caixin General Manufacturing PMI also paints a favorable picture for the world's second-largest economy, reporting 50.4 in April 2025, a decrease from March's four-month high of 51.2, but indicating a seventh consecutive month of growth.
Although both supply and demand increased at a slower rate amid ongoing market improvements, according to Dr. Wang Zhe, senior economist at Caixin Insights Group, there was a noted slower rise in total new orders due to weakened external demand and trade disruptions caused by higher US tariffs. Nevertheless, Zhe expressed optimism, stating that the impact of tariffs on the supply side was relatively minimal and that manufacturers continued to manage their existing orders effectively.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
This decrease in the manufacturing PMI follows two consecutive months of growth and is largely due to the current adverse global economic conditions and the ongoing tariff conflict initiated by US President Donald Trump's administration.
Among the various components of the PMI, the supplier distribution time index was recorded at 50.2, down 0.1 points from March's figures, suggesting that the delivery times for manufacturing raw materials continue to speed up.
In contrast, non-manufacturing business activity still showed signs of expansion, with a reading of 50.4, compared to 50.8 in March, which contributed to a comprehensive PMI for China of 50.2, remaining above the crucial threshold.
The Caixin General Manufacturing PMI also paints a favorable picture for the world's second-largest economy, reporting 50.4 in April 2025, a decrease from March's four-month high of 51.2, but indicating a seventh consecutive month of growth.
Although both supply and demand increased at a slower rate amid ongoing market improvements, according to Dr. Wang Zhe, senior economist at Caixin Insights Group, there was a noted slower rise in total new orders due to weakened external demand and trade disruptions caused by higher US tariffs. Nevertheless, Zhe expressed optimism, stating that the impact of tariffs on the supply side was relatively minimal and that manufacturers continued to manage their existing orders effectively.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
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