Manufacturers in China saw a renewed improvement in overall operating conditions in February, with output and total new orders both expanding at faster rates. However, latest data indicated that external demand was relatively weak, with new export business declining for the first time in 10 months. Meanwhile, average input costs declined sharply over the month, as companies continued to benefit from lower costs for oil and oilrelated products, which contributed to a solid fall in prices charged. After adjusting for seasonal factors, including the recent Chinese New Year, the HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI™) – ... (full story)