China's manufacturing activity was back in expansion territory in September while non-manufacturing activity rebounded markedly, with both above the boom-bust line, official data showed, adding to signs of a firming recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 50.1 in September 2026, up 0.3 percentage points from August and returning to the expansion zone, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signifies contraction. The manufacturing sector's business climate improved further in September, with the PMI rising for a second consecutive month, said Huo Lihui, a chief statistician with the NBS.

Looking ahead, China's manufacturing sector is expected to maintain steady and moderate expansion in the fourth quarter, said Wen Tao, an analyst with the China Logistics Information Center, citing accelerated implementation of major projects, including about 2 trillion yuan of planned investment by central state-owned enterprises in six major infrastructure networks this year.

The non-manufacturing business activity index reached 50.2 in September, up 1.2 percentage points from August, with both construction and services returning to expansion. (Xinhua)

Source: CHINA TEXTILE LEADER Express