China's Factory Activity Thrives Despite Challenges

0:00It's April 30th. This is Canada News Today, powered by AI. China's factory activity kept expanding for a second straight month in April, with the official purchasing manager's index hitting 50.3. That's just a tiny dip from 50.4 in March, and it beat what economists predicted. Anything over 50 means growth, showing the economy's holding tough, even with oil prices spiking from the Iran War. Two orders ease to 50.6 from 51.6, but production ticked up to 51.5. Analysts like Liyafahi at Capital Economics say higher energy costs haven't slowed things down. In fact, strong exports are fueling the surge, and it's boosting demand for China's green tech gear. The private survey painted an even brighter picture, jumping to 52.2 from 50.8, especially among smaller export firms. Meanwhile, US tariffs on China got dialed back after a Supreme Court Smackdown on Trump's big plans, so shipments across the Pacific could heat up.

1:02Soon, President Trump heads to Beijing next month to link up with Xi Jinping and stretch that year-old trade truce. China's first quarter growth hit 5%, topping forecasts, with leaders eyeing 4.5% to 5% for 20.26, the lowest, targets since 1991. Property woes are dragging on homes and spending, but exports crushed it last year with a record $1.2 trillion surplus. China's riding that wave, proving resilience pays off in tough times.