China's exports have dropped amid its tariff fight with the U.S., resulting in a decrease in production at the country’s factories.

A gauge of new export orders decreased this month to its lowest reading since 2022 and overall manufacturing activity in China is the weakest it has been in more than a year, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics' surveys released Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The country's official purchasing managers’ index for the manufacturing sector, which gauges Chinese factory activity, was at 49 points this month, down from 50.5 last month. A reading of 50 points or higher means factory activity is expanding, while a reading below 50 means it is contracting. This month's reading was the weakest since December 2023.

New export orders dropped sharply to 44.7 points this month, which is the lowest reading since December 2022, indicating that trade is slowing between China and the U.S. as American importers cancel or delay orders amid tariffs.

President Trump has placed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. China then placed more than 100% tariffs on U.S. imports and has targeted U.S. companies that operate in China while also restricting exports of minerals used in batteries and other high-tech applications.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the Chinese government said it will “never kneel down” before the U.S.