MAPI further revised downward its prediction for China’s manufacturing sales revenue growth in 2012 to 8 percent (from the previous 16 percent estimate) as a result of the weaker than expected external demand and the significant slowdown in the domestic residential housing market in the first half of 2012. The growth outlook is expected to improve somewhat in the second half of the year as the housing market is showing some signs of stabilization and the government has stepped up their efforts to boost economic growth.

This outlook provides an overview of China’s macroeconomic activities in 2012 and analyzes in detail the performance of 12 major manufacturing industries. Manufacturing sales revenue growth is forecast to expand 17 percent in 2013.