China's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in June as the headline RatingDog China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, eased to a three-month low of 51.7, according to data released on Wednesday.
The latest reading, which provides a gauge of factory sector conditions, compared with 51.8 recorded in the previous month and missed the 51.9 market expectation tracked by Investing.com.
A reading above 50 indicates an expansion in sector performance compared with the prior month, while a figure below signals a contraction.
The manufacturing sector completed its strongest quarter since the fourth quarter of 2020, supported by sustained growth in new orders, easing cost pressures and a rebound in employment.
Manufacturing output expanded for a seventh straight month, though the pace slowed to a three-month low.
The employment index returned to growth for the first time in three months, with job creation reaching its fastest pace since August 2023. Business sentiment remained positive but softened to its lowest level since January.