China manufacturing ticks up in April but still contracts

The HSBC/Markit flash Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for China in April rose to 48.3 from March's final reading of 48.0, still below the 50 line separating expansion from contraction - AFP Photo.

BEIJING: China's manufacturing downturn eased slightly in April as declines in new orders and output slowed, a preliminary survey showed on Wednesday, though factory activity showed an overall contraction for the fourth straight month.

The HSBC/Markit flash Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for April rose to 48.3 from March's final reading of 48.0, still below the 50 line separating expansion from contraction.