China’s Manufacturing Improves; Exports Strengthen

BEIJING (AP) – A survey shows China’s manufacturing activity edged up in July and export orders strengthened despite weak U.S. and European demand, in fresh signs the world’s second-largest economy is gradually recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. The monthly purchasing managers’ index issued by the Chinese statistics bureau and an industry group rose to 51.1 from June’s 50.9 on a 100-point scale. Numbers above 50 show activity increasing. The industry group said the results suggest “China’s economy continues to maintain a rebound trend.” The economy grew by 3.2% over a year earlier in the latest quarter, recovering from the previous quarter’s 6.8% contraction.