CCTV9英语新闻：中国的制造业引擎看起来可能会放缓（在线收听）

The first piece of economic data for December is out -- showing an easing in manufacturing growth. But bear in mind the survey period is shorter because of the coming year end holidays. Let’s find out more.

China’s manufacturing engine looks like it could be slowing down.

Growth slowed to a three-month low in December, according to the HSBC Flash PMI. Throughout the year, the manufacturing sector first slowed, then quickened thanks to a recovery in exports.

"The U.S. consumer, whatever he buys now is not just made in China. It could well now be made in Arkansas or Mexico. So there are structural trends of Asia losing some competitiveness taking place here as well which suggests that maybe the upside in some of these numbers and trade numbers is not as big as what you’d expect previously," said Herald Van Der Linde, head of equity strategy, HSBC Asia Pacific.

The survey does show a pickup in both export and new orders, suggesting China’s benefiting from signs that Europe is rebounding. But because of the year-end holidays, this latest Flash PMI only covers a short week-long period. Final readings won’t come until January 2nd.