China’s Caixin Manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.5 in November, up from 50.3 in October and surpassing expectations of 50.5. This marks the fastest pace of growth since June, driven by a rebound in new orders, which rose at their quickest pace since February 2023, alongside renewed export growth. Output price inflation reached a 13-month high, and business confidence strengthened to its highest level in eight months.
Wang Zhe, Senior Economist at Caixin Insight Group, highlighted that manufacturers increased supply to meet expanded demand, with businesses purchasing more to build inventories. Input costs and output prices also rose, while supply chains remained stable.
However, employment continued to contract, underscoring lingering challenges. Wang noted that the economy faces “prominent downward pressure,” with the government’s stimulus measures yet to significantly impact the labor market and workforce expansion.