BEIJING - The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 49.4 in August, up from 49.3 in the previous month, official data showed Sunday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

The sub-index for production stood at 50.8, up from 50.5 and remaining within the expansion zone for the fourth consecutive month. "This shows that manufacturing production has picked up pace," said Zhao Qinghe, a senior statistician with the National Bureau of Statistics.

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On the demand side, the sub-index for new orders came in at 49.5, up from 49.4 in the previous month.

Some key sectors maintained growth momentum, with PMI for high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing standing at 51.9 and 50.5, respectively, continuing to play a pivotal role in underpinning the country's manufacturing industry.

Sunday's data also showed a more positive market outlook, with the sub-index for production and business activity expectations reaching 53.7, up from 52.6 in July. 

"This marks the second consecutive month of growth for the sub-index, indicating that most manufacturing companies have strengthened confidence in the future market," Zhao said. 

PMI for non-manufacturing sector

Meanwhile, the PMI for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.3 in August, up from 50.1 in the previous month.

The sub-index for the construction sector came in at 49.1 in August, down from 50.6 in the previous month, according to the NBS.

The sub-index for the service sector stood at 50.5 in August, up from 50 in July, according to the data.

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Business activity indices for sectors of railway, water and air transportation; telecom, radio, television and satellite transmission services; and capital market services stood above 60, indicating rapid expansion.

In contrast, business activity indices for industries including retailing and real estate were below the boom-bust line.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 49.4 in August, up 0.1 percentage point from the previous month, official data showed Sunday.

The PMI for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.3, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous month.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 reflects contraction.