June PMI data shows the AI boom lifting factories from China to Japan, offsetting the drag from a Middle East conflict pushing up costs.

China is benefitting from strong global demand for semiconductors powering data centres and advanced electronics. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

China's manufacturing PMI rose to 50.3 in June 2026, beating expectations as high-tech AI exports powered factory expansion despite weak domestic demand.