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China's factory activity plummeted in April, contracting at its fastest pace in 16 months due to high US tariffs. The manufacturing PMI fell to 49.0, signaling a contraction. This decline highlights the damage inflicted by the tariffs on China's export-reliant economy. While the services and construction sectors showed marginal growth, new export orders hit a low. Analysts expect increased government stimulus, although Beijing has so far implemented only modest measures and rejected tariff negotiations with the US.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.