Chinese industrial profits ended a seven-month losing streak in the first weeks of this year and rose at their fastest pace in more than 18 months, according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS data showed that the country's industrial profits climbed 4.8 percent to Rmb780.7 billion (US$120 billion) in January and February compared to a year earlier.

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The rise ends a seven-month string of negative growth and marks the fastest growth since July 2014, the official data revealed.

Sales and profit margins in sectors exposed to the consumer are holding up much better than those exposed in real estate construction. Bureau officials also said that industrial sectors still face many difficulties.

"Industrial sectors still face many difficulties. First, there's a sharp decline in profits for mining and raw materials. Second, inventory pressures remain quite large," the NBS said in a statement.

The NBS data showed oil processing, electrical machinery and food companies leading gains as 28 of 41 industry groups posted profits.

The data also showed debt at Chinese companies increased 5.5 percent during the period. China's economy grew at its weakest pace in 25 years last year, and analysts expect a further slowdown this year.

The factory sector, the main engine of growth over the past two decades, has been the hardest hit.

The industrial profit growth in January and February compares with the 4.7 percent decline in December last year, which was a seventh straight drop.

It was also in August 2015 when industrial profits dropped by 8.8 percent, which was the most decline in at least four years, according to a Bloomberg report.

TagsChina Industrial Profits, China Industry, China economy, China Factory