Latest survey data indicated that operating conditions faced by Chinese manufacturers continued to deteriorate in June, albeit at a weaker rate. Total new orders rose for the first time in four months, though only slightly, while output contracted at a weaker pace than in May. However, manufacturers continued to cut their workforce numbers in June, with the latest reduction the strongest seen since February 2009. On the costs front, average input prices fell at a modest rate that was the slowest since last August, while companies discounted their selling prices for the eleventh successive month. Adjusted for seasonal ... (full story)