China’s PMI Indicators Point to Uneven Momentum and Rising Cost Pressures in 2026
Manufacturing activity remained close to expansion in early 2026, while weaker export orders and raw material prices pressure the economy
Manufacturing activity remained close to expansion in early 2026, while weaker export orders and raw material prices pressure the economy
Morocco, South Africa and Egypt remain Africa’s leading industrial economies; DRC, Djibouti and Gabon recorded the largest gains in competitiveness
China’s share of Africa’s trade has expanded sharply since 2001, with imports from China now matching Europe’s share
Exports have grown steadily since 2015, but minerals, fuels and metals still dominate, while five countries account for half of the total
Asia’s share of global GDP and exports expanded sharply to 2025, bringing the region’s influence closer to its demographic scale.
Demand across Asia is driving simultaneous expansion in renewable generation, fossil fuel capacity and electricity grids
Rapid growth in batteries, EVs and solar technologies is reinforcing China’s position at the centre of global clean energy supply chains.
Machinery, electronics, fuels and industrial inputs dominate Africa’s imports, and China remains the continent’s largest supplier
The U.S. is growing mine output, but no producer yet challenges China’s export and refining leverage.
PPP-adjusted GDP trends show China surpassing the U.S. economy in 2014 and India expanding rapidly in economic scale.