Demand has remained steadier for longer than the market had expected, with talk of a recession pushing further out into the year and lessening in severity.

China is taking fresh measures to deter hoarding of iron-ore in a bid to cool a surge in prices of the key steel-making material.

Mexico’s construction sector contracted 1.0% in January from December, statistics office Inegi said.

The decrease expanded by 0.6 percentage points from that registered in January. On a monthly basis, China's PPI remained flat in February, according to the bureau.

China will take more steps to stabilize industrial growth with a focus on key industries and areas.

"China's statement to actively seek CPTPP membership illustrates its attitude and determination to expand its opening-up," Gu said.

Vietnam will ramp up the use of coal and gas sources and mobilize renewable sources to ensure sufficient supply of electricity for the Southeast Asian country as the demand is projected to increase in 2023, local media reported on Thursday.

Hunan developing reputation worldwide as a center of heavy industry expertise