Asian manufacturing picks up momentum on strong exports

Factory activity across Asia — including Thailand — continues to gain momentum, spurred by strong demand for the region’s exports, purchasing managers’ indexes show.

Japan’s PMI rose to 50 in December, its highest reading since April 2019, according to Jibun Bank and IHS Markit. Taiwan’s PMI jumped to 59.4, its highest mark in a decade, while South Korea’s remained at 52.9, its third consecutive month above the 50 level that separates contraction from expansion.

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