China manufacturing, services sectors return to growth in September

30th Sep 2026 08:20

(Sharecast News) - China's services and manufacturing sectors both returned to growth in September, according to data released on Wednesday.

The National Bureau of Statistics' official manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 50.1 this month from 49.8 in August, coming in as expected. The non-manufacturing PMI also returned to growth, rising to 50.2 from 49.0.

A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below signals contraction.

Meanwhile, the private RatingDog China manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 52.1 in September from 51.5 in August. This marked the highest reading in five months.The general services PMI rose to 51.6 from 51.4.

The survey showed that total new orders expanded at the fastest rate since June, while external demand was stronger, as growth of new export business accelerated for the first time in three months.

Service providers were generally optimistic that business activity will continue to rise over the year ahead, pointing to forecasts of stronger market conditions, company expansion plans and new projects. The degree of confidence also rose from August and was the joint-highest recorded in 2026 so far.

ING said the PMI data suggests that we will see a modest uptick in September's activity data when it comes out in a few weeks.

"Along with more favourable base effects, this might be enough to help third-quarter GDP recover from the 4.3% we saw in the second quarter," said economist Lynn Song.