China’s non-manufacturing sector has shown a minor contraction in growth as the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 50.3 in May, down from 50.4 in April, according to the latest data updated on May 31, 2025. The PMI, which measures the economic health of the non-manufacturing sectors, indicates expansion with figures above 50, but the slight dip points to challenges looming in the country's service and construction industries.
The marginal decline nevertheless keeps the index above the critical 50-point threshold, signaling slight ongoing expansion albeit at a reduced pace. The data suggests a cautious but persistent economic momentum amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties and domestic policy adjustments undertaken by Beijing to stabilize growth.
The figures reflect a period of adjusting tides in China's economy, as policymakers attempt to balance between sustaining growth and managing inflationary pressures while navigating complex international trade dynamics and domestic economic policy shifts. As China continues to adapt to new economic challenges, these figures will likely be closely monitored for indications of longer-term trends in the nation’s non-manufacturing sectors.
