Economics

China’s Factory Outlook Slips in May Amid Slow Recovery

  • Export orders outlook improved, but still in deep contraction
  • Non-manufacturing gauge rose to 53.6 on domestic recovery
Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
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A gauge of China’s manufacturing activity slipped in May, underlining the slow pace of recovery from the first-quarter slump.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index declined to a worse-than-expected 50.6, from 50.8 a month earlier, according to data released Sunday by the National Bureau of Statistics. The non-manufacturing gauge rose to 53.6. Readings above 50 indicate improving conditions.