China's factory activity slowed in January, official data showed Saturday, missing forecasts after a brief rise into positive territory at the end of last year.
A key measure of industrial health, the manufacturing purchasing managers' index slipped to 49.3 this month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.
The reading fell below the 50-point mark that divides expansions and contractions, also significantly behind the 50.1 forecast by a Bloomberg survey of economists.
NBS statistician Huo Lihui said in a statement that the data reflected "insufficient effective market demand", as well as a "traditional off-season" for certain manufacturing sectors.
December's slight uptick at 50.1 had snapped an extended negative streak that began in April.
The world's second-largest economy is facing a persistent domestic consumer slump, weighing on activity even as exports remain robust.
The decline in factory activity shown Saturday was the result of "weak domestic demand", Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, wrote in a note.
"Economic activity may soften in (the first quarter)," Zhang said.
Last year, exports represented the "pillar of growth", he said, adding that the sector's "sustainability is very important for the growth outlook".
China achieved a historic trade surplus of $1.2 trillion last year -- a key strong spot as consumer sentiment at home remained subdued.
Beijing has pledged "forceful" measures to boost demand in coming years, with some key policies expected to be announced in March with the release of the government's newest "five-year plan".
A protracted debt crisis in China's vast real-estate sector has discouraged would-be homebuyers from investing in property -- long a key store of wealth.
Complicating the challenges are demographic trends, with a shrinking and ageing population weakening the outlook for a future spending boom.
The country's economy grew five percent in 2025, official data showed this month, among its slowest rates of growth in decades.
Leaders are expected to announce a similar growth target for this year at a key annual political gathering in March.
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...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST SUNDAY...
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* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 3 above expected. For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds
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* WHERE...Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Dallas, Etowah, Fayette,
Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Lowndes, Marengo, Marion, Perry,
Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and
Winston Counties.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST Sunday. For
the Wind Advisory, until 9 PM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees
could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frostbite
and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these
temperatures. An extended period of subfreezing temperatures could
cause pipes to burst.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of pipes they should be
wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.
&&
...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST SUNDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST SATURDAY...
* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills
as low as 3 above expected. For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds
15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.
* WHERE...Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Dallas, Etowah, Fayette,
Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Lowndes, Marengo, Marion, Perry,
Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and
Winston Counties.
* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until noon CST Sunday. For
the Wind Advisory, until 9 PM CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees
could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frostbite
and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these
temperatures. An extended period of subfreezing temperatures could
cause pipes to burst.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must
go outside.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of pipes they should be
wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.
&&
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