国际英语资讯:Chinas stable factory activity points to solid economy_时事

国际英语资讯:Chinas stable factory activity points to solid economy

BEIJING, Oct. 31 -- Despite slower expansion in October, China's manufacturing sector remained steady with a major indicator standing above the boom-bust line for a 15th straight month, adding to signs of continued momentum in the wider economy.

The manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) came in at 51.6, falling from 52.4 in September, a more-than-five-year high, and 51.7 in August, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Tuesday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below reflects contraction.

国际英语资讯:Chinas stable factory activity points to solid economy1

NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe mainly attributed the slowdown to a high base in September, a week-long holiday and stricter environmental regulation. "The growth in production and market demand eased to some extent," he said.

Factory activity of high energy consumption and heavy pollution softened as the government stepped up efforts to strengthen environmental protection. Non-metallic mineral products and oil refining went down substantially.

"Despite the retreat, the indicator was still 0.4 percentage points higher than that of a year ago and staying at the average level of this year," Zhao said, pointing to the impetus from high-end manufacturing and the production of consumer goods.

The manufacturing of automobiles, special equipment, electric apparatus, medical devices, food and beverage, textile and garment registered strong increases.

"The PMI stabilized in positive territory after gains of two consecutive months," said Zhang Liqun with the Development Research Center of the State Council. "Stable sub-indices in production, stock and purchases indicate the economy has stronger resilience."