Asian Manufacturing Struggles Amid Contrasting Signals

Asia's manufacturing economies, led by Japan and China, faced challenges in February. Japan saw a decline in factory activity, while China showed mixed signals with official PMI falling but Caixin PMI improving. South Korea exceeded export growth expectations, but Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand experienced declines. China's manufacturing activity contracted for the 5th month, prompting pressure for stimulus, despite some sectors like services and construction showing growth.