A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

The figure dropped amid the continuous impact of heat wave and rainstorms on manufacturing activity, NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe told a state-controlled news agency.

The manufacturing sector climate was also affected by the arrival of off-season period for some industries, he said.

The sub-indices for production and new orders both dipped in August.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)