China's manufacturing sector expands in Oct after 5 contraction months

Manufacturing activity last month saw faster growth, with key sectors like basic raw materials, equipment manufacturing, high-tech manufacturing and consumer goods continuing their stable and positive performance.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the sector was 50.1 in October, up from 49.8 in September and surpassing the neutral 50 mark for the first time since May, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a recent statement.

The manufacturing PMI in October often fell below that of September in past years.

The business expectation index also rose to a four-month high of 54 in October, reflecting growing confidence among manufacturers, a state-controlled media outlet reported.

The non-manufacturing PMI came in at 50.2 in October, up from 50 in September, and the general PMI climbed from 50.4 to 50.8.

Experts believe that the positive trend in the manufacturing sector will be sustained in the fourth quarter.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)