According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stands at the 50-point threshold, which separates expansion from contraction and highlights the sector’s ability to maintain stable growth conditions. Manufacturing activity with the production sub-index remaining in expansion territory. Market demand also remains close to the growth threshold, reflecting the sector’s evolving economic environment. Par

The Regulations of the State Council on Outbound Investment were adopted at the 83rd Executive Meeting of the State Council on 17 April 2026 and promulgated by Premier Li Qiang on 5 May 2026. The Regulations enter into force on 1 July 2026 and establish a comprehensive framework governing outbound investment activities conducted by Chinese enterprises, organizations and individuals. The Regulations aim to promote outbound investment, improve the administration of overseas inv

According to data from Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, the country’s total international trade during April 2026 recorded a growth of 28.6 per cent, with exports rose by 36.9 per cent and imports expanded by 20 per cent year-on-year. Imports were supported by higher purchases of consumption goods, which grew by 5.6 per cent. Import growth was particularly strong from China with 36.8 per cent and Singapore with 45.7 per cent, while imports from the United States declined

China has been expanding its export control framework to regulate the global availability of critical goods. On October 9, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced export control on lithium-ion battery technology, superhard materials, equipment and raw materials to produce and process rare earth and magnet-processing equipment. Restrictions on certain rare earth elements were additionally extended. The scheduled implementation of these measures was suspended until No

President Trump visited Beijing between May 13 and May 15 for a bilateral summit focused on global trade dynamics, economic relations, and supply chain security. The meeting established a framework of competitive stabilization, aimed at managing systemic risks and preventing tariff escalation without altering global trade governance. Both Washington and Beijing acknowledge their roles in trade and technology, maintaining open communication alongside strategic competition. A c

The new VAT Law of the People's Republic of China took effect on 1 January 2026, maintaining the existing tax framework without increasing the tax burden on businesses. To support its implementation, the State Council approved the draft Implementation Regulations on 19 December 2025, with Premier Li Qiang signing State Council Decree No. 826 on 25 December 2025 to formally promulgate the Regulations. The final text was published on 30 December 2025 and took effect concurrentl