China Manufacturing PMI and Output Back in Contraction

Chinese manufacturing has been wavering in and out of contraction since about mid-2011.

PMI, Production, New Orders



Following a 5-month stint in positive territory, the HSBC Flash China Manufacturing PMI shows Output contracts for the first time in six months.

Key points

• Flash China Manufacturing PMI™ at 50.0 in November (50.4 in October). Six-month low.
• Flash China Manufacturing Output Index at 49.5 in November (50.7 in October ). Seven-month low.

Commenting on the Flash China Manufacturing PMI survey, Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, China & Co-Head of Asian Economic Research at HSB C said: “The HSBC China Manufacturing PMI moderated to a six-month low of 50.0 in the flash reading for November, down from the October final reading of 50.4. New export order growth continued to ease and led to a below-50 reading for the output sub-index for the first time since May. Disinflationary pressures remain strong and the labour market showed further signs of weakening. Weak price pressures and low capacity utilization point to insufficient demand in the economy. Furthermore, we still see uncertainties in the months ahead from the property market and on the export front. We think growth still faces significant downward pressures, and more monetary and fiscal easing measures should be deployed.”