China’s manufacturing activity continued to show signs of weakness in November, with both private and official surveys indicating contraction in the sector.

According to the private S&P Global / RatingDog Manufacturing PMI, factory activity in China fell to 49.9 last month, down from 50.6 in October. This drop below the 50-point threshold signals a contraction in manufacturing output. The decline points to a slowdown in growth momentum, reflecting subdued domestic demand and external pressures on China’s export-oriented industries.

The official National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) manufacturing PMI similarly pointed to continued contraction, standing at 49.2 in November, slightly higher than October’s 49.0. This marks the eighth consecutive month of shrinking factory activity, highlighting persistent challenges in China’s industrial sector despite various policy measures aimed at supporting growth.

Economists note that the divergence between the private and official PMIs, with the private gauge showing a sharper slowdown, suggests varying conditions across different segments of the manufacturing industry, including export-heavy and domestic-focused firms.

The subdued readings add to concerns over China’s economic growth as the country navigates a complex global trade environment, rising costs, and fluctuating domestic demand. Analysts will be closely watching upcoming economic indicators for signs of stabilization or further slowdown in the months ahead.