China’s manufacturing activity slowed its pace of expansion in December, as investors wait for more economic stimulus when Donald Trump — who is threatening tariffs on Chinese exports — returns to the White House.

China's factory activity grew in December but at a slower-than-expected pace, as overall sales were dampened by falling export orders amid concerns over the trade outlook, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday.

China's manufacturing sector continued to expand in the final month of 2024. That said, the degrees to which new orders and production rose were both softer. Overall sales were dampened by falling export orders.