Asia manufacturing powers ahead, even as China PMI cools

FILE PHOTO: People check a Seres Huawei Smart Selection SF5 electric vehicle (EV) displayed during the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 19, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song

ASIA'S manufacturing activity remained robust through April even as a gauge of factory output in China, the region’s top economy and industrial powerhouse, showed signs of cooling.

Taiwan’s IHS Markit April manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to 62.4 from 60.8 in March, its highest reading since March 2010. New orders also reached their highest level since the same month.