The state bureau of statistics announced this on Saturday. In November it was still 48 points. Readings below 50 point to a slowdown in economic activity in China.
China’s strict zero-Covid policy of lockdowns, mass testing and strict quarantine rules had severely slowed economic growth in the world’s second-largest economy. Numerous factories and other businesses had to temporarily cease operations and supply chains were interrupted. The repeated lockdowns also dampened consumer confidence.
In early December, Beijing then moved away from its zero-Covid policy in a radical U-turn. There is no longer testing everywhere and infected people are allowed to isolate themselves at home. At the same time, the country is currently registering more new infections than at any time since the start of the pandemic almost three years ago.
The economic recovery is also suffering. “In December, China’s overall economic prosperity declined due to the impact of the epidemic and other factors,” said Bureau of Statistics chief statistician Zhao Qinghe. “The epidemic has had a significant impact on production and demand, staffing, logistics and distribution.”
(SDA)