The Big Call

Migrant army starts to march again

  • Published 11 Jun 2009

Signs of an uptick in worker migration suggest firming trends in manufacturing, exports and urbanisation.

China's migrant workers, estimated very roughly at 130m-strong, comprise the largest mobile workforce in the world. The movement of this human tide reveals much about the overall fortunes and internal dynamics of the economy. But with many of the migrants' movements remaining under the radar of official statisticians, it is difficult to fathom in real time the signals that this toiling army is sending.

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