In April this year, the China HSBC Flash Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) decreased to 50.5, lower compared to the final value of 51.6 in March, as announced by the HSBC.
The flash new orders sub-index decreased to 48.6 percent in April from the 50.5 percent final reading in March, indicating weak market demand. New export orders also contracted in April after a temporary rebound in March.
The flash China manufacturing output index for April also decreased to a two-month low of 51.1 percent, down 1.9 percentage points from the 53.0 percent final reading in the previous month, the HSBC said.
"The HSBC Flash China Manufacturing PMI came in at a two-month low, but still managed to expand modestly in April, albeit at a much slower pace," HSBC economist Qu Hongbin said in a statement.
"However, new export orders contracted after a temporary rebound in March, suggesting external demand for China's exporters remains weak. Weaker overall demand has also started to weigh on employment in the manufacturing sector," he said.
The government is expected to respond strongly by increasing efforts to boost domestic investment and consumption in the months ahead, Mr. Qu said.