China's manufacturing sector expanded at a more pronounced pace midway into 2024. Production growth was the fastest rate in two years, underpinned by rising new orders. Firms also acquired more inputs to support production, leading to higher stocks of purchases. Employment numbers were little changed, however. On the price front, input cost inflation climbed to the highest since June 2022, resulting in the first increase in average selling prices so far this year. Firms were however concerned about rising competition and the possibility of slower growth ahead. Optimism was subsequently the lowest since November 2019. ... (full story)