BEIJING, CHINA: China's manufacturing and export orders slumped in November, underlining the difficulties it faces in stabilising its economy amid the global crisis.

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 38.8 from 44.6 in October, Xinhua News Agency reported Monday (1 Dec), citing data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

The index for export orders had a bigger fall to 29 from 41.4 in October while that for new orders dip to 32.3 from 41.7.

The PMI is the lowest since it was mooted in 2005 and the fourth time this year that it had fallen below 50.

The index is based on a survey of more than 700 manufacturers across the country. (By THAM CHOY LIN/ Bernama)