Economics
Asia Manufacturing Picks Up Pace as China Starts to Moderate
- Japan PMI at highest level since April 2019, Taiwan’s surges
- Chinese activity is easing, which could temper future gains
This article is for subscribers only.
Factory activity across Asia continues to gain momentum, spurred by strong demand for the region’s exports, while China’s recovery is starting to moderate.
Japan’s purchasing managers index rose to 50 in December, its highest reading since April 2019, according to Jibun Bank and IHS Markit. Taiwan’s PMI jumped to 59.4, its highest mark in a decade, while South Korea’s remained at 52.9, its third consecutive month above the 50 level that separates contraction from expansion.