Hong Kong (CNN Business) China's factories are picking up new orders and hiring workers again, defying the recent slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy.

The country's huge manufacturing industry unexpectedly rebounded in March, government figures showed Sunday. The official purchasing managers index for the month jumped to 50.5, compared to 49.2 in February. A reading above 50 indicates growth from the previous month.

A separate survey of manufacturing activity by media group Caixin and research firm Markit released Monday was also unexpectedly positive.

Goods made in Chinese factories are shipped all over the world, and their demand is often viewed as a barometer for the health of the global economy

Growth in China's factory sector shifted into reverse at the end of last year and economists polled by Refinitiv had predicted this trend would continue.