New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- Manufacturing activity across Asia's export-driven economies showed a mixed picture in July, with early signs of resilience in some markets despite deepening global trade tensions and the US tariffs. India and Vietnam posted gains, while China's factory momentum softened. Meanwhile, much of Southeast Asia continued to struggle, dragged down by weak external demand and persistent uncertainty around global supply chains. The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) edged into expansion territory in July, rising to 50.1 from 48.6 in June, just above the neutral 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. The divergence reflects broader shifts in global demand, China's ongoing economic challenges, and geopolitical tensions that are beginning to reshape trade flows across Asia. India's manufacturing sector activity rose to a 16-month high in July on the back of expansion in output and new orders. The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 59.1 in July from 58.4 in June. It was 57.6 in May, 58.2 in April. and 58.1 in March. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI was 52.4 in July, up from 48.9 in June and back above the 50 mark for the first time in four months. Vietnam's manufacturing sector returned to growth in July, driven by a rebound in new orders and rising production, even as exports remained weak due to tariffs and employment neared stabilisation, the PMI survey said. The Philippines and Thailand also recorded growth in manufacturing activity, though at a slower pace than India and Vietnam. Rising for the second consecutive month, the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI edged up to 50.9 in July from 50.7 in June, signalling a modest but strengthening recovery, the sharpest improvement in operating conditions since April. Thailand's Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in July from 51.7 in June, staying above the 50 mark for a third straight month and recording the sharpest improvement in factory conditions in nearly a year. In China, manufacturing momentum lost steam, underscoring persistent structural challenges in the world's second-largest economy. The S&P Global China General Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.5 in July from 50.4 in June, The Global Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global and sponsored by J.P. Morgan, slipped from 50.4 in June to 49.7 in July, signalling a mild deterioration in business conditions, the third decline in four months. In contrast, several Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs continued to face headwinds in July. Indonesia's Manufacturing PMI edged up to 49.2 from 46.9 in June, marking a fourth consecutive month below the neutral 50 threshold, though the pace of contraction eased marginally. Malaysia's PMI rose to 49.7 in July from 49.3 in June, signalling a slight improvement but still indicating a mild deterioration in manufacturing health. Singapore's manufacturing momentum also softened, with the S&P Global PMI slipping to 51 in June from 51.5 in May. July data is expected on 5 August. The broader outlook remains clouded by escalating trade tensions. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports, imposing a 25% duty starting this month, along with additional penalties for purchasing oil and military hardware from Russia....