Factory activity sees four months of growth

China’s factory activity expanded for the fourth consecutive month in February, amid signs of economic recovery and steady growth despite downward pressure and uncertainties, experts said on March 1.

They expect policymakers to take more steps to shore up growth, including further tax and fee reductions, increased infrastructure spending, and more monetary easing measures.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers index came in at 50.2 in February, up from 50.1 in January, the National Bureau of Statistics said on March 1. The 50-point mark separates growth from contraction.

China’s non-manufacturing PMI was 51.6 in February, up from 51.1 in January. And the official composite PMI, which includes both manufacturing and services activity, stood at 51.2 in February, compared with 51 in January.

A separate private survey that focuses on small and export-oriented businesses also showed that factory activity expanded in February.