China’s manufacturing activity continued to contract for the fifth consecutive month in August, as indicated by the official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The PMI rose to 49.7 from 49.3 in July, but it remained below the 50-point level that signifies contraction in the sector. This ongoing contraction puts pressure on Chinese officials to take measures to support economic growth, especially in the face of soft demand both domestically and internationally.

Despite the persistent contraction, there were some positive signs in the data. New orders returned to expansion for the first time in five months, and factory owners reported improvements in producer prices for the first time in seven months. However, the services sector continued to decline.

The PMI reading of 49.7 suggests that while conditions did not significantly worsen, the challenges facing China’s manufacturing sector persist. The country’s major manufacturing rivals in the region, Japan and South Korea, also reported declines in output.

Analysts and economists are cautiously optimistic about the future trajectory of China’s economic growth. Some believe that with the right policy support, a sequential uptick in growth activity could still be possible in the third quarter. China has introduced various measures to stimulate economic activity, including a cut in stock-trading stamp duties and guidelines for affordable housing to improve access to first-home mortgages.

However, the challenges are significant, including a worsening property slump, weak consumer spending, and credit growth. The global economic slowdown and factors like higher interest rates and inflation in major export markets continue to dampen demand for Chinese goods. Policymakers are under pressure to boost domestic demand and manage the balance between stimulating growth and addressing debt risks.

While the data indicates some positive developments, the effectiveness of policy support and its actual implementation will be crucial indicators to watch in the coming months. China’s economic outlook remains uncertain as it navigates these complex challenges and aims to achieve stable growth amid changing global dynamics.