China's manufacturing sector closed 2025 on a positive note as the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 50.1 in December, marking a return to expansion territory after November's contraction. The 0.9-point monthly increase reflects renewed growth momentum in the world's second-largest economy, according to data released Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
"The recovery in market demand has been pivotal," said Huo Lihui, chief statistician at the NBS Service Industry Survey Center. The new orders index jumped 1.6 points to 50.8, while production activity surged to 51.7—a 1.7-point monthly gain—as factories responded to improved domestic and international demand.
Analysts attribute the rebound to targeted policy support and stabilizing global supply chains. The expansion comes as manufacturers accelerate output to meet year-end orders, with electronics and green energy equipment sectors showing particular strength. While challenges persist in export-oriented industries, December's figures suggest the Chinese mainland's industrial sector is building a foundation for sustained growth in early 2026.
