The manufacturing sector in China contracted for the 16th straight month in June, the latest survey from Caixin revealed on Friday with a manufacturing PMI score of 48.6.
That was well shy of forecasts for 49.2, which would have been unchanged from the May reading.
It also moves further beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.
Individually, output and new orders contracted at a faster pace, while there was further solid reduction in staff numbers.
There also was a renewed fall in average input costs.
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