The RatingDog China General Services PMI edged up to 51.6 in September 2026 from 51.4 in the previous month, beating market expectations of 51.1. It marked the highest since June, supported by the strongest growth in new orders since that month, driven by successful business development efforts and improving demand conditions. Survey data also pointed to stronger external demand, as growth in new export business accelerated for the first time in three months. Employment increased for a fifth consecutive month as firms hired additional staff to cope with rising workloads. On the price front, input costs rose for the nineteenth straight month, largely due to higher labor, raw material, and energy expenses. Meanwhile, output charges increased at the fastest pace in four and a half years. Lastly, sentiment improved in September and matched the highest level recorded so far in 2026, supported by expectations of stronger market conditions, business expansion plans, and new project launches.