China’s business recovery from virus

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:04 am

Rising Chinese pollution levels measured from space are showing a gradual but uneven industrial pickup after the economic slowdown caused by the nation’s fight to contain the deadly novel coronavirus.

Although the level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in China’s atmosphere has risen nearly 50% from Feb 17, it was still roughly 20% below the equivalent period last year, according an analysis from the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, which used satellite data from Nasa. The data offers important clues to the health of the world’s second-largest economy. The country’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index plunged to a record low in February, underscoring the impact from the Covid-19 epidemic, which has pummeled both consumption and production. 

Provincial-level data can offer insights into specific industries, which often cluster by region. In the northern province of Hebei, which is China’s top steel-making area, NO2 levels have risen above the equivalent period last year, suggesting a partial recovery. In the manufacturing hub of Guangdong, a province that as of Wednesday had the most coronavirus infections after Hubei province where the disease began, pollution briefly outpaced levels in 2017 and 2019 before falling below by late February.

Pollution data may also provide some clarity on activity in eastern Zhejiang, where concerns have emerged over data reliability. At least three cities there have given local factories power-consumption targets because they are using the data to show a resurgence in production, according to people familiar with the matter. That has prompted some businesses to run machinery even as their plants remain empty, the people said. A provincial newspaper, the Taizhou Daily, criticized local officials on Saturday for narrowly focusing on power usage, arguing that hitting the targets does not equate to economic growth. 

Daily coal consumption at coastal plants of six major power groups was at 456,000 tonnes as of March 3, up almost 24% from Feb. 10, but still about 35% less than March 3, 2019, according to data from the China Coal Transport and Distribution Association.

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare
AddThis Website Tools
Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, started seat sales, and the first aircraft delivery will be in 2025

Cebu Pacific celebrates the delivery of its very first aircraft for 2025, the 459-seat Airbus A330neo, delivered at Ninoy Aquino…

March 28, 2025

First Solar Eclipse of 2025: Know Details

March 29, 2025, will deliver the first solar eclipse of the year when observers from numerous continents can witness this…

March 28, 2025

Xi Jinping Meets Global CEOs to Boost Foreign Investment Confidence

Chinese President Xi Jinping invited 40 foreign business executives to Beijing on Friday to boost investor confidence and restore stable…

March 28, 2025

Thailand to Host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Group B Battle Begins

Thailand is set to host Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers where India, Mongolia, Timor Leste…

March 28, 2025

UAE Unveils New Dirham Symbol

The unveiling of an instrument that may symbolize a step toward updating the country’s financial identity is the celebration of…

March 28, 2025

KKR Closes In on Landmark Acquisition of Topcon

Big investment company KKR is close to finishing its purchase of Japanese medical equipment manufacturer Topcon as private equity firms…

March 27, 2025