The official manufacturing PMI fell to 50.1 in April from 50.5 in March.

After a disappointing performance in 2018, China’s economy appears to be stabilizing. In the first quarter of 2019, GDP growth, at 6.4% year-on-year, matched that of the previous quarter. But growth in industrial production exceeded expectations, expanding by 6.5% year on year (and by 8.5% in March). Even exports growth was positive, albeit weak, despite the ongoing trade war with the United States.

Recovery is still fragile as small business sentiment is mixed and global economy proving headwind.

China’s economy grew at a steady 6.4 percent pace in the first quarter.

China is about to slash the employer contribution rate to the social-security fund from 18-20% (with some variation across regions) to 16%, and cut the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 16% to 13% (for most enterprises). This is on top of a previously announced reduction in the corporate income tax charged on the first CN¥3 million ($447,000) of taxable income.

China’s 2019 government work report lays out the country’s economic policies to sustain growth and avoid the “middle income trap” that Premier Le Keqiang has warned of. In taking steps next year to realize the “Chinese dream,” three battles will be tough but key: defusing financial risks, effecting targeted poverty alleviation, and achieving pollution control.

Indexes of factory activity suggest an uneven global growth outlook.

Factory activity in China unexpectedly grew for the first time in four months in March, an official survey showed on Sunday, suggesting government stimulus measures may be starting to take hold in the world’s second largest economy.

Standard Chartered PLC Chief Executive Bill Winters said on Tuesday fears over a growth slowdown in China’s economy and the impact of the U.S.-China trade tensions are “receding a bit”.

China’s top officials pledged to lower tariffs and expedite debt sales in 2019 as they seek to manage an economic slowdown while tackling the trade standoff with the U.S.