China factory activity likely to expand in Dec.

China’s factory activity is expected to grow in December for the third consecutive month, providing some hope for officials as they prepare for more US trade tariffs in a potential second Trump administration.

A Reuters poll of 28 economists predicts the official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) to stay at 50.3, matching November’s reading and remaining above the growth/contraction threshold of 50.

China’s leaders are looking to boost the struggling property market with policy support measures towards the end of this year, as it has a significant impact on domestic demand.

This decision could help manufacturers during a worldwide economic downturn by decreasing their vulnerability to potential new tariffs on Chinese products from US President-elect Donald Trump.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: Y.Yasser