Manufacturing PMI forecast at 50.3, third month of expansion
Data due at 0130 GMT on Tuesday, Dec. 31

BEIJING, Dec 30 Reuters China39;s factory activity likely expanded for a third straight month in December, offering a glimmer of optimism to officials trying to steady the world39;s No. 2 economy as they brace for further U.S. trade tariffs under a second Trump administration.

A Reuters poll of 28 economists forecast the official purchasing managers39; index PMI would remain at 50.3, matching November39;s reading and staying above the 50point threshold that separates growth from contraction in activity.

China39;s leaders are hoping policy support measures late this year will bolster the struggling property market, which significantly impacts domestic demand.

This move could benefit manufacturers amid a global economic slowdown, reducing their exposure to U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump39;s threat of additional tariffs on Chinese goods.

Mixed industrial output and retail sales data for November released earlier this month underscores how challenging it will be for Beijing to mount a durable economic recovery heading into 2025. Government advisers are recommending that the 19 trillion economy maintain a growth target of around 5.0 next year and that policymakers ramp up consumerfocused stimulus.

Trump has vowed to impose a 10 tariff on Chinese goods to compel Beijing to halt the trafficking of Chinesemade chemicals used in fentanyl production. He also threatened…