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China's Services PMI Hits 51.6 in September Amid Stronger New Orders
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Firstpost•30-09-2026, 09:00
China's Services PMI Hits 51.6 in September Amid Stronger New Orders
- •China's services sector gained momentum in September, with the RatingDog China General Services Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 51.6 from 51.4 in August, marking the fastest expansion in three months.
- •New business grew at its fastest pace since June, supported by improving demand and increased new export orders, indicating stronger overseas demand.
- •Employment in the services sector increased for the fifth consecutive month, though the pace of hiring slowed to a four-month low.
- •Output prices fell for the first time in four months, the sharpest decline since April 2022, suggesting continued pressure on companies to maintain competitive pricing despite improved activity.
- •Business confidence strengthened in September, driven by expectations of firmer market conditions, expansion plans, and new project wins, contributing to a rise in the broader RatingDog China General Composite PMI to 52.4.
Key Questions Answered
The RatingDog China General Services Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 51.6 in September, up from 51.4 in August. This reading marked the fastest expansion in China’s services activity in a three-month period.
New business and overseas demand both strengthened in September, helping to lift business activity across China's services sector. New business grew at its fastest pace since June, while new export orders increased at a quicker pace than in August.
While business activity improved, output prices fell for the first time in four months, registering the sharpest decline since April 2022. This indicates that services firms continued facing pressure to keep their prices competitive.
