China's manufacturing PMI dropped to 50 in May from 50.3 in April, highlighting economic faltering despite AI-related exports driving half of April's export growth.
China's manufacturing PMI slipped to 50 in May from 50.3, and the central bank cut rates to a record low to counter weak industrial output and retail sales. Semiconductors and compute hardware drove nearly half of April export growth — AI buildout demand is tightening Chinese supply chains and lifting hardware prices.
A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction
May 31, 2026
04:31 pm
What's the storyChina's manufacturing sector hit a snag in May, with the official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipping to 50 from April's 50.3.
The decline is attributed to a long holiday and global demand pressures, indicating that the sector is under some real pressure.
China factory activity slows in May
China's factory activity likely remains flat in May as domestic demand drags
China factory output stalls in May as demand weakens
China's manufacturing PMI at 50 in May
Update: China's manufacturing PMI drops to 50 in May
China's May factory activity flat as weak demand slows growth
China's factory activity flatlines casting doubt over the economy
China's May factory activity flat as weak demand slows growth - Latest News
China's factory activity slows in May, raising questions over its economy
China Manufacturing Activity Flatlines as New Export Orders Fall
China's manufacturing activity slowed in May, with the official factory PMI slipping to 50 from 50.3 in April, as a five-day…
Reuters poll forecasts China's May manufacturing PMI at 50, down from April's 50.3, as weak domestic demand and rising costs…
It was the lowest PMI reading in three months and followed data earlier in May showing China’s growth momentum cooled in April…
The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 50 in May, down 0.3 percentage points from the…
Update: China's manufacturing PMI drops to 50 in May -
BEIJING: China's factory activity was flat in May after two months of expansion, official data showed Sunday (May 31), as weaker…
