China’s Manufacturing Activity Shrinks Again in February But at Slower Pace

China’s Manufacturing Activity Shrinks Again in February But at Slower Pace
A worker pours molten iron into a mould at a mill manufacturing marine engine components in Huaian, Jiangsu Province, China on Feb. 11, 2019. Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

BEIJING—China’s factory activity contracted for a third straight month in February but at a slower pace, helped by improvements in domestic manufacturing, a private survey showed on March 1.

The readings—closely watched by investors as an alternative to the official data and more focused on smaller firms—offered further evidence China’s economy is losing momentum and suggests the U.S.-Sino trade war will continue to weigh on exports as prospects for a trade deal remain uncertain.