China’s factory activity expanded at a slower pace in December, official data showed Tuesday, despite recent stimulus measures and in the face of increasing trade risks.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index, based on a survey of factory managers, slipped to 50.1 in December from 50.3 the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday. It was the third straight monthly reading above 50, a level that indicates an expansion of manufacturing activity.

New orders rose to an eight-month high, while the exports order index rose to the highest level in four months, likely helped by U.S. importers rushing to beat higher tariffs that incoming President-elect Donald Trump may impose on Chinese goods, analysts said. — Associated Press