Asia's factories on song in March amid fears of trade war discord

Hong Kong

FACTORIES across much of Asia posted another month of solid growth in March, rounding off a strong quarter for the world's manufacturers, even as exporters fear a rise in US protectionism could snuff out a global trade recovery.

China again led the way, with an official manufacturing index expanding at the fastest pace in nearly five years, while factory surveys on Monday showed encouraging growth as well in Japan, India and much of emerging Asia.