China’s non-manufacturing sector returned to expansion in September, with the official PMI rising to 50.2 from 49.0 in August, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The indicator covers services and construction and provides a broader view of economic activity beyond factories. Reuters reported that the improvement accompanied the manufacturing sector’s return to expansion.
Construction also improves
The construction component recovered from a weak August reading, while services activity also moved back above the expansion threshold. The data comes as policymakers introduce targeted measures aimed at infrastructure, technology and housing.
Why the reading matters
The rebound suggests that September brought a broader improvement in business activity. However, the property market and cautious household spending remain important risks for China’s domestic economy.
NewsNation Online is also tracking China’s economic policy and technology investment.
Source: China’s National Bureau of Statistics; Reuters. Published September 30, 2026.
