Manufacturing

China's industrial profits rose 18.2% in the first four months of the year, led by manufacturing, electronics and metals, with April growth accelerating to 24.7%.

China's above-scale industrial output grew 4.1% year-on-year in April, NBS data showed May 18, with electronics surging 15.6% and autos up 9.2%, while cement and steel output declined.

China's factory-gate prices rose 2.8% year-on-year in April 2026, driven by higher mining, raw material and energy costs, while industrial purchase prices climbed 3.5%, official data showed.

China's styrene operating rates climbed to the highest level of 2026 in April, with output rising 19.36% year-on-year, while May production is expected to decline due to major maintenance shutdowns.

China's manufacturing PMI fell to 49.3% in January, reflecting seasonal slowdowns and weak demand, while large firms and high-tech manufacturing continued to support overall stability.