Factory activity lowest in 4 months

Slowdown 'normal' as country tries to readjust its economic structure

Factory activity declined in June, with the government appearing prepared for a slower-than-ever growth rate during structural reforms to the economy.

The Purchasing Managers' Index, a gauge that mainly indicates operating conditions in the manufacturing sector, slipped to a four-month low of 50.1 from 50.8 in May, the National Bureau of Statistics reported on Monday.