China’s manufacturing sector expansion remained steady in May, official data showed on June 1.

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for May came in at 50.1, the same as in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

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

NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe said the country’s manufacturing activity maintained steady growth last month, partly due to expansion of high-technology manufacturing and consumer goods manufacturing.

High-technology manufacturing PMI hit 50.8 and consumer goods manufacturing PMI stood at 51.5.

Workshop staff at a BAIC Group branch company, in North China’s Hebei province, on May 11. [Photo/Xinhua]