Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the impact of tariffs on China's manufacturing sector, as indicated by a decline in the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and other economic indicators, while also noting government responses to stabilize the economy [3][4][7]. Economic Indicators - In April 2025, China's manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.0%, down from 50.5%, signaling a contraction in the manufacturing sector [4]. - The construction business activity index was at 51.9%, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous month, while the services business activity index was at 50.1%, down 0.2 percentage points [4]. - The production index fell to 49.8% from 52.6%, and the new orders index decreased to 49.2%, with new export orders plummeting to 44.7%, reflecting significant demand contraction [4][5]. Tariff Impact - The article notes that the effects of tariffs are fully transmitted to manufacturing enterprises, with a substantial year-on-year decrease of 45% in container orders shipped from China to the U.S. by mid-April [5]. - The export container price index for the route from China to the U.S. West Coast fell by 9.7% month-on-month [5]. Price Trends - The PMI price index saw a significant decline, with the factory price index at 44.8% and the raw material purchase price index at 47.9%, both down from previous levels [5]. - Commodity prices also fell, with Brent crude oil averaging $64.37 per barrel (down 11%), LME copper at $9,487.5 per ton (down 5.5%), and iron ore futures at 709 yuan per ton (down 6.7%) [5]. Inventory and Procurement - The procurement volume index dropped to 46.3% from 51.8%, indicating a significant reduction in purchasing activity [6]. - Raw material inventory index decreased to 47.0%, and finished goods inventory index fell to 47.3%, reflecting a contraction in inventory levels [6]. Import Trends - The import PMI recorded 43.4%, down 4.1 percentage points, influenced by reduced imports from the U.S. due to retaliatory tariffs and decreased demand for foreign goods [6]. Government Response - The Politburo meeting signaled three key strategies: maintaining flexible domestic reserve policies, emphasizing stability in employment and market expectations, and accelerating the implementation of existing policies [7]. - The government is expected to expedite the issuance and use of bonds, focusing on technology, consumption, and foreign trade [7]. Investment Outlook - The article suggests a favorable outlook for sectors related to new productive forces and consumer sectors supported by policy, advocating for a "dumbbell strategy" combining dividends and hard technology [8]. - A potential reduction in reserve requirements by 25-50 basis points and a possible interest rate cut of around 20 basis points in the coming months are anticipated, with 10-year government bond yields expected to drop to 1.5% [8].
美国滥施关税影响初现——2025年4月PMI分析|宏观经济
清华金融评论·2025-05-01 09:11