-- Pushed by demand and output, China's vast manufacturing sector expanded for the fifth month running in April, reported S&P Global on Thursday.
China's manufacturing sector purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to 52.2 in April, up from 50.8 in March, and striking further above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction, reported S&P Global, citing its monthly survey.
Despite Middle East turmoils, China factory "production increased at the fastest pace in nearly two years, driven by robust demand, operational improvements and the launch of new products," said S&P Global.
Factory managers reported new orders rose at the fastest pace in nearly five years, the result of strong demand and innovative new products, explained S&P Global.
Manufacturers enjoyed rising backlogs of orders in April, especially among makers of investment goods, also known as capital goods, or machinery and equipment used in businesses.
China's factory managers faced some supply-side issues in April, including early signs of energy snags.
"Supply chain pressures persisted, with input lead times lengthening again in April," advised S&P Global. Managers mentioned ongoing raw material shortages, delivery disruptions, rising input prices and that Middle East tensions exacerbated supply-chain snags.
China's manufacturers in April were largely passing on input-price hikes to customers, and manager confidence rose in the month, reported S&P Global.
The April manufacturing PMI was compiled by S&P Global from surveys sent to 650 manufacturers from April 9 through April 22.
Separately, China's official PMI logged at 50.3 in April, off modestly from March's 12-month high of 50.4, but still notched the second consecutive month in expansion territory, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday.