A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.
The manufacturing sector recorded sustained expansion in output during the month, while demand conditions softened marginally. The production sub-index came in at 51.2, whereas the new orders index stood at 49.9.
China’s manufacturing PMI eased 0.3 per cent points month on month to 50 in May 2026, signalling slower expansion amid softer market demand.
Production activity remained resilient, with the output sub-index at 51.2.
High-tech manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9, extending expansion for a 16th straight month, while large enterprises maintained stable growth at 51.1.
Huo Lihui, chief statistician at the NBS, said the development momentum of new growth drivers improved further in May and the PMI for high-tech manufacturing rose to 52.9, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous month, while the PMI for equipment manufacturing increased 0.3 percentage points to 52.1.
He also added that, the PMI for high-tech manufacturing has remained in the expansion zone for 16 consecutive months, with related sectors maintaining sound growth momentum, and the leading role of new growth drivers continuing to emerge.
The PMI for large enterprises stood at 51.1 in May, rising 0.9 percentage points from April and remaining in expansion territory since the beginning of the year, noted Huo.
The latest PMI data suggests China’s manufacturing sector continues to benefit from resilient industrial production and stronger high-tech activity despite softer overall market demand, according to local media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
