BEIJING — The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector firmed up to 52 in March from 35.7 in February, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on March 31.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.

The rebound came as the country's arduous efforts in coordinating epidemic control and economic and social development have generally filtered through, NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe said.

With positive changes taking place in domestic epidemic control and prevention, 96.6 percent of China's large and medium-sized enterprises have resumed production, up 17.7 percentage points from one month ago, NBS survey showed.

A sub-index for production, rallied 26.3 points from one month earlier to 54.1, hinting at reviving production activities.

However, Zhao said the single-month rise does not necessarily mean the production has been back to pre-outbreak levels, noting that more data should be observed.

The upturn of economy, Zhao said, only comes when the PMI moves up for at least three consecutive months.

March 31's data also indicated a remarkable improvement in market demand, as the sub-reading for new orders stood at 52 in March, higher from 29.3 in February.

Meanwhile, the PMI for high-tech manufacturing, equipment manufacturing and consumer goods all stood in expansion zone, signaling quickened restoration in the sectors, according to Zhao.

China's March composite PMI rose significantly to 53, up 24.1 points from February.