China's official manufacturing PMI returns to expansion at 50.1 in September
30 September 2026
China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index climbed to 50.1 in September 2026 from 49.8 in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said. A reading above 50 reflects expansion. Of the 21 industries surveyed, 12 reported a PMI above the expansion threshold. The production sub-index rose to 51.7 and the new orders index stood at 50.5. A separate private survey, the RatingDog PMI, rose to 52.1 from 51.5.
Manufacturing PMI, September:
50.1
Manufacturing PMI, August:
49.8
Production sub-index:
51.7
Why it matters for exams: PMI is a standard economic indicator; knowing the 50 threshold is a common exam point.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PMI Purchasing Managers' Index — A monthly survey-based index where above 50 means expansion and below 50 means contraction.