China NBS General PMI Rises to 9-Month High

2026-09-30 01:44 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

China’s NBS Composite PMI Output Index rose to 50.7 in September 2026 from 49.5 in the previous month, marking the highest reading since December 2025 and the first expansion in overall business activity since June.

The improvement reflected faster growth in manufacturing output and a return to expansion in the service sector after two months of contraction.

Strong global demand for AI hardware supported sentiment, while expectations of further policy support from Beijing and a recovery from weather-related disruptions in August also boosted activity.

However, persistent headwinds remained, including weak domestic demand, higher energy costs that squeezed factory margins, and uneven momentum across the broader economy.

NBS statistician Huo Lihui said the September expansion was driven by brisk activity in technology-related and consumer industries.



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China NBS General PMI Rises to 9-Month High
China’s NBS Composite PMI Output Index rose to 50.7 in September 2026 from 49.5 in the previous month, marking the highest reading since December 2025 and the first expansion in overall business activity since June. The improvement reflected faster growth in manufacturing output and a return to expansion in the service sector after two months of contraction. Strong global demand for AI hardware supported sentiment, while expectations of further policy support from Beijing and a recovery from weather-related disruptions in August also boosted activity. However, persistent headwinds remained, including weak domestic demand, higher energy costs that squeezed factory margins, and uneven momentum across the broader economy. NBS statistician Huo Lihui said the September expansion was driven by brisk activity in technology-related and consumer industries.
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