BEIJING, March 31, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - China's factory activity expanded in March at its quickest pace in a year, official data showed on Tuesday, ending a two-month slump as production picked up after the annual Spring Festival holiday. NBS statistician Huo Lihui attributed March's expansion to the "resumption of work and production after the Spring Festival", which led to increased market activity. China's non-manufacturing PMI -- a gauge of activity across services and construction -- was 50.1 in March, an improvement from February's slump of 49.5. "While China has ample energy reserves to mitigate the term of trade shock, a global growth slowdown would dampen China's exports," Zhang said. The country also achieved a record trade surplus last year, offering a crucial lifeline for Beijing as domestic activity slumped.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 31, 2026 03:16 UTC