<h1>Tariff reduction boosts export prospects while domestic demand weakness keeps manufacturing contraction risk elevated in coming months.</h1> China's official manufacturing PMI returned to contraction, driven by weak domestic consumption and real estate weakness, while private-sector PMI showed export-led expansion. A judicial reduction of reciprocal tariffs has lowered US tariff levels globally and is expected to provide a modest boost to exports. Upcoming high-level bilateral talks and China's national congress, which will set a growth target and approve a five-year plan focused on technology and self-reliance, are poised to influence near-term manufacturing prospects.