China's improving June PMIs point to stronger economic momentum

　　BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China's purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) improved in June as the economy continued to gain traction, official data showed Tuesday.

　　The PMI for the manufacturing sector rose from 50 in the previous month to 50.3 in June, returning to expansion territory and marking its second-highest reading this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Meanwhile, the non-manufacturing PMI, covering the construction and services sectors, came in at 50.2 in June, up from 50.1 in May.

　　The data suggested the overall level of economic activity picked up this month, NBS statistician Huo Lihui said.

　　A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.

　　Manufacturing output and demand both expanded in June, with particularly strong performance seen in sectors such as agricultural and sideline food processing, special-purpose equipment, computers, communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing.

　　High-tech manufacturing also gathered pace, with business activity strengthening in equipment manufacturing and consumer goods industries.

　　Huo said business confidence improved, with enterprises in sectors such as special-purpose equipment, railways, shipbuilding, aerospace equipment, and electrical machinery remaining upbeat about industry prospects.

　　In the non-manufacturing sector, service sector expansion accelerated, with business expectations continuing to rise, and the construction industry also showed signs of improvement.

　　Commenting on Tuesday's data, Wu Wei, an analyst with the China Logistics Information Center, said pent-up demand in investment and consumption is expected to be released more quickly, further consolidating the foundation for the country's steady economic recovery. ■