China's purchasing managers' index posted a score of 53.1 in May, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said on Monday, easing from 53.5 in April.
The index remained above 50 for the third consecutive month following five straight months below that level.
Export orders moved up to 50.1 in May from 49.1 in April.
A reading above 50 indicates growth, while a score below 50 represents contraction based on a survey of more than 700 businesses in 11 categories.
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