Strong overall demand firing up production in China

Chinese factories have been ramping up as their manufacturing activity last month hit the highest level in almost a decade, shaking off the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Nippon Hoso Kyokai reported on Monday.

The report is based on a closely-watched private survey: the Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index.

The survey found China's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index stood at 53.6 in October, its strongest showing since January 2011. For six months, it has been above the key level of 50, indicating expansion.

The survey comes after the government issuance of the manufacturing PMI over the weekend. Its number came in at 51.4, down from 51.5 in September, but above 50 for the eighth straight month.

Analysts say strong overall demand has been firing up production. "Overall, the PMI data suggested recovery momentum has more or less stayed," chief China economist at UBS Wang Tao told Bloomberg on Monday.

Asian shares were also mostly higher on Monday, buoyed by further signs of recovery in China's manufacturing sector, according to the Associated Press.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 NIK, rose 1.38 percent in morning trading, while South Korea's Kospi 180721, up 1.34 percent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 XJO, added 1.66 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng HSI edged up 1.46 percent, while the Shanghai Composite SHCOMP gained 0.01 percent. Stocks in Singapore STI rose 0.74 percent.

Chinese officials said the country's economy is recovering steadily, but warned demand for products from small companies needs to improve, according to NHK.