Chinese manufacturers have been consistent in catering to the global demand in various sectors despite fears of a recalibration of the global supply chain triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, said strategic consultant firm Roland Berger on Thursday.

Citing the automotive and aerospace sectors, Denis Depoux, global managing director at Roland Berger, said the coronavirus pandemic had disrupted global supplies elsewhere, but Chinese suppliers continued to be "up and running." 

With all the noise of the supply chain possibly leaving China, there is certainty in many sectors. "There is consistency of the Chinese manufacturing sector being able to serve the world, and we're seeing this while some supply chains in other parts of the world are still being disrupted," Depoux told CGTN in an interview.

On Wednesday, official data showed that China's manufacturing sector expanded for a third straight month in July, with profits up 19.6 percent year on year, following an 11.5-percent increase in June. This was also the fastest pace in two years. 

Pent-up demand, government stimulus and resilient exports contributed to the growth, but some signs of weakness have emerged, as floods and torrential rains weakened activity.  Analysts also said Chinese factories face risks from increasingly tense ties with the U.S. that could impact overseas orders.

'Be cautious over China's recovery'

Meanwhile, Depoux said the "incredible" growth of China's industrial profits should be taken with caution as it grew from a low base.

"What we are seeing is a catch-up effect from the beginning of the year. Let's be a bit cautious. But still the results are amazing. A lot of the negative effect that was coming from the first half of the year came from resources. That's coming back," he said, adding that mineral and coal prices are returning to pre-crisis levels.

Depoux also said China has seen positive signs with stimulus-driven infrastructure investments and an increase in manufacturing demand.

"A good indicator is looking at people manufacturing machine tools. That's sold out over the next few months. That's a sign of renewed investment to face global demand that is coming back," he said.

Meanwhile, Depoux said global economic uncertainty will remain for the rest of the year given the U.S. election in November and trade tensions. "I think the uncertainty will certainly remain throughout the end of the year and next year."