The RatingDog China General Services PMI inched up to 51.6 in September 2026 from 51.4 in August, exceeding market expectations of 51.1. This was the highest reading since June, underpinned by the strongest rise in new orders since that month, reflecting successful business development initiatives and improving demand conditions.
Survey data also indicated firmer external demand, with growth in new export business accelerating for the first time in three months. Employment rose for a fifth consecutive month, as firms took on additional staff to manage increasing workloads.
On the price front, input costs climbed for the nineteenth month in a row, driven largely by higher labor, raw material, and energy expenses. At the same time, output charges were raised at the fastest rate in four and a half years.
Business sentiment strengthened in September, matching the highest level seen so far in 2026. This improvement was supported by expectations of better market conditions, business expansion plans, and the launch of new projects.
