China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) stood at 49.2 in July, down 1.1 points from the previous month, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday.

Huo Lihui, a chief statistician with the NBS, attributed the fall to multiple factors.

"The factors include a relatively high base from the rapid manufacturing growth in the previous period and the traditional off-season for production in some manufacturing industries," said Huo.

Despite the overall slowdown, the production side of China's manufacturing sector remained resilient. PMI readings for equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing reached 51.4 and 53.3, respectively, both maintaining expansion.

Industries including general equipment manufacturing and computer, communication and electronic equipment manufacturing recorded production and new order indexes above 53.0, reflecting strong market activity and relatively fast growth in supply and demand, according to Huo.

Meanwhile, China's non-manufacturing business activity index came in at 49.0 in July, down 1.2 points from the previous month.

Among service industries, the PMI readings for postal services, telecommunications, broadcasting and satellite transmission services, as well as culture, sports and entertainment, remained in the high prosperity range of above 55, the data revealed.

As weather disruptions gradually ease and summer consumption continues, the construction sector is expected to recover, while consumption-related services are projected to continue improving, noted He Hui, vice-president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. Together, these factors are expected to support a rebound in overall non-manufacturing activity, He added. 

(With input from Xinhua)