China's factory gauges show more signs of slowdown on weak demand

EconomyManufacturing activity dips for fourth straight month, according to private surveyAn employee works on the production line at a factory in Zhejiang province in January. China's factory growth cooled in July as weak demand tempered recovery. © ReutersLORRETTA CHENAugust 3, 2026 12:17 JSTHONG KONG -- China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index slowed for the fourth straight month in July, according to a private data provider, after official data posted an unexpected contraction in factory activity.