The Associated Press said the industry group's purchasing managers index rose to 55.2, nearly a full point higher than the previous month. Numbers above 50 indicate positive growth in manufacturing activity.
The news is further indication that China's domestic economy, spurred by a huge government stimulus program, is rebounding faster than others and follows news of 8.9 percent growth in gross domestic product in the third quarter.
Seven of the 11 categories measured in the survey of companies rose. Imports increased 2.1 points and new orders rose 1.7 points from the previous month.
The AP also reported that the Commerce Ministry assisted the domestic petrochemical industry by imposing a 35.4 percent tariff on imports of adipic acid from the United States, European Union and South Korea to stop alleged dumping of the chemical on the Chinese market. Adipic acid is used in the manufacturing of resins.
