Asia's factory activity rises on solid global demand

Asia's factory activity expanded in January as solid global demand lifted export orders, private-sector surveys showed yesterday, offering policymakers some assurance the hit from higher US tariffs has run its course for now.

- LEIKA KIHARA

Japan and South Korea saw manufacturing activity grow at a multiyear pace as big markets like the US sustained momentum, the surveys showed, brightening prospects for Asia's export powerhouses.

China's factory activity expanded at a faster pace in January as export orders rebounded, one of the surveys showed, which contrasted with an earlier official report showing activity faltering.

"Exports from most countries have surged in recent months, and we think the near-term outlook for Asia's export-oriented manufacturing sectors remains favourable," said Shivaan Tandon, Asia economist at Capital Economics.