China factory activity stalls in June: survey

Beijing

GROWTH in China's manufacturing sector stalled in June, an official survey showed on Friday, adding to expectations that Beijing will have to roll out more stimulus soon to boost the sluggish economy.

While output hit a 12-month high, nearly all other measures showed signs of weakening, suggesting a spring bounce in activity is fizzling. Export orders and inventories fell and factories shed workers at a faster rate.