But the new export orders index was a sign that export conditions in April were probably weak. Official trade figures for the month won't be released until Thursday, but stry of Commerce officials have repeatedly cautioned that the data could be disappointing. The government has introduced measures to stabilize the export sector.
![]() |
![]() |
" has introduced more reform measures that could support growth by inducing more private-sector investment," Qu said. "We think bolder actions will be required to ensure the economy regains its momentum."
While most analysts believe the manufacturing sector is unlikely to see an upturn in the short term because of high inventory levels, the services industry fared a little better last month, according to the official PMI.
The PMI for the services industry rose to 54.8 in April from 54.5 in March, the NBS said over the weekend.
The output of tertiary industry, mostly services, generated 46.1 percent of 皇冠体育app's GDP last year, rising to 49 percent in the first quarter of this year.
"I think many 皇冠体育app observers missed the structural change; that is, the rise of the service industry," said Fan Jianping, chief economist of the State Information Center, a government think tank.
"This is why many analysts underestimated 皇冠体育app's GDP growth in the first quarter as they just focused on industrial output. This is also why employment remains stable so far despite a slowdown in manufacturing, because the service sector is far better at creating jobs."