China PMI Index Rebounds to 50.4 in March, Best in Year

China's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 50.4 in March, surpassing the expected 50.1 and indicating the best performance in a year. This marks a recovery from two months of contraction, with previous readings at 49.3 in January and 49.0 in February. Additionally, China's exports increased by 21.8% year-over-year in the first two months of 2026, supported by strong demand from Southeast Asia and Europe. The recovery in manufacturing activity could influence global markets, especially with heightened interest in Chinese exports such as solar panels and batteries.