China’s humming factories threw a lifeline to an economy struggling with weak demand in the second quarter. That’s also given policymakers space to fight deflation — if they choose to do more than just hitting their growth target.

Chinese state firm employee Zhang Jinming makes up for a 24% cut to his salary by delivering food for three hours every night after work and on weekends - and hopes he can avoid awkward encounters with colleagues.

China reported a better-than-expected economic growth as the world’s second largest economy took advantage of a trade truce with the US amid President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive.

A surge of exports from Chinese manufacturers supported the growth, as customers and producers alike took advantage of the U.S.-China trade war ceasefire.

American companies in China are reporting record-low investment plans and declining confidence in profits this year.

Official figures showed modest growth in the second quarter as exports shifted to other countries and Beijing invested in manufacturing and infrastructure.

Producer prices fell the most in nearly two years in June, while consumer goods prices also fell month-on-month.

China’s economy grew at a slower clip in the second quarter, as trade tensions with the U.S. rattled an economy already mired in deflation and a years-long housing downturn, raising pressure on Beijing to step up stimulus to underpin growth.

A report by Natixis, mentioned by CNBC, examined 2,500 publicly traded firms in China. It found that while unit sales climb, falling price levels are