Fact-check: The article's claims are fully supported by real-time X posts from ReutersAsia, CNBC International, and multiple users citing the official NBS manufacturing PMI at 49.0 for February 2026, a contraction worse than the 49.1 forecast, attributed to Lunar New Year holiday disruptions. This matches reports from CNBC, Reuters, Caixin, and Bloomberg, confirming consistency with ongoing China Manufacturing Slowdown concerns. No contradicting evidence found.
China's factory activity slumps more than expected in February as holiday disrupts production
China's factory activity contracted more than expected in February, with production disrupted by the Lunar New Year holiday period. The weaker-than-expected PMI data signals ongoing challenges in China's industrial sector. The figures add to concerns about the pace of economic recovery in the world's second-largest economy.