China’s PMI was at a record high in February 2023. China’s economy is off to a strong start in 2023, with the official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing rising to 52.6 in February, the highest reading in over a decade, and the January PMI rising to 50.1 for the first time in four months. This is good news for foreign businesses looking to invest in China, as it indicates a healthy and growing economy.
The PMI is an important indicator of China’s manufacturing sector’s health and is based on a monthly survey of factory operators. A reading above 50 signifies growth in activity, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. At Sapience Pro, we specialize in helping international enterprises enter China and navigate the complexities of the market. This latest data reinforces our confidence in China’s economic prospects.
The rise in PMI results from ongoing efforts to boost the economy. One key growth area in China’s economy is the services and construction sectors. The official non-manufacturing PMI rose to 56.3 in February, indicating the fastest pace of expansion since March 2021. Construction activity, which is part of the official non-manufacturing PMI, picked up further, standing at 60.2 from 56.4. This was partly due to the resulting boost to infrastructure spending and increasing financing to help developers complete stalled projects.
According to a Caixin-sponsored survey, activity in China’s services sector expanded in February 2023 at the fastest pace in seven months, with supply and demand improving as Covid-19 infections subsided. The Caixin China General Services Business Activity Index rose to 55, the highest level since August 2022, from 52.9 in January. This expansion is a positive sign for China’s economy, as the services sector accounts for 53% of the country’s GDP. Employment in the sector increased, with businesses hiring more workers to meet demand, while backlogs of work grew at the slowest pace since October. The growth in the services and construction sectors is a positive sign for businesses looking to enter China’s consumer market. It suggests a growing middle class with increasing disposable income. China is expected to be the most significant contributor to global GDP growth this year and is projected to surpass 5% of GDP growth.
The new Shanghai Commerce Plan for 2023 is another positive development for businesses looking to enter China’s market. According to recent statements by the city’s deputy director, the plan aims to further develop the city as an international center for trade and consumption. The plan includes implementing major national strategic tasks, expanding openness, optimizing the structure of foreign trade, cultivating new momentum, stabilizing the stock, and growing foreign investment growth. Shanghai plans to use about US$24 billion in foreign capital and add 60 regional headquarters of multinational companies and 25 foreign-funded R&D centers.
In addition to the solid economic data, Hong Kong has lifted its mask regime and canceled its stringent COVID-19 rules, including mandatory PCR tests for arrivals, indicating a positive shift toward returning to pre-pandemic norms. This is another positive development for businesses looking to enter the China market, as it suggests a return to normalcy and a more predictable business environment.
Finally, all major exhibition events in China, including the Canton Fair, the country’s largest trade fair, Hainan Consumer Expo, Shanghai Motor Show, China International Import Export Expo, AWE, ChinaPlas, CMEF, and many more, are scheduled to take place in 2023. This is an excellent platform for companies wishing to join the Chinese market to demonstrate their products and services while connecting with potential partners, distributors, and consumers.
At Sapience Pro, we understand that entering the China market can be challenging, but we have the expertise and experience to help businesses succeed. We offer a range of services to help companies to prepare for their entry into the China market, navigate the regulatory environment, and establish a successful presence in China. With China’s economy rebounding and its services and construction sectors growing, now is an excellent time for businesses to consider entering the China market.
