China’s smaller, more export-oriented manufacturers slipped back into contraction in November, according to a private PMI survey, signalling a renewed loss of momentum after three months of modest expansion.

• The RatingDog Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.9, down from 50.6 in October and marking the first deterioration since July.

Production stalled as new orders softened to barely positive levels. Respondents said weaker demand at home offset gains from new product launches and stronger overseas interest. Export orders rose at the fastest pace in eight months following successful business development efforts, helped by firmer external demand and the October U.S.–China trade truce.

Despite this, the sector’s overall health deteriorated marginally, with firms noting near-flat new business growth and lingering domestic weakness.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.