China stocks drop despite improving economic data (2)

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the nation's largest lender by market value, closed flat at 3.84 yuan. China Construction Bank edged down 0.48 percent to 4.15 yuan.

Shares in liquor makers led the fall after China's top quality supervisor found excessive levels of a chemical called plasticizer in a sample of liquor made by Hunan-based Jiugui Liquor Co.

Trading of Jiugui's shares on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has been suspended since Monday.

Although Jiugui was the only company cited for excessive plasticizer content, other producers have taken a hit from the news, an effect attributable to consumers' sensitivities to food safety issues.

Share prices of Wuliangye Yibin Co., one of the country's largest liquor companies, fell 4.65 percent to 27.46 yuan. Its share price has declined more than 11 percent this week. Sichuan Tuopai Shede Wine Co. declined 5.56 percent to 23.78 yuan.

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