Steel rebar futures jumped above CNY 3,140 per ton, reaching their highest levels since mid-June as investors anticipated a recovery in demand due to seasonal factors ahead of the September peak construction season. Construction activity in top consumer China typically picks up ahead of winter, strengthening the outlook for demand for steel and raw materials. China’s National Development and Reform Commission also reportedly held meetings in recent weeks urging local governments to accelerate the construction of major projects. Meanwhile, China’s non-manufacturing PMI, which covers services and construction, held steady at 49.0, matching July’s reading and remaining at its weakest level since December 2022. Sweeping regulatory changes for China’s crisis-hit property sector announced last week also drove shares in smaller developers sharply lower, amid expectations of further consolidation across the industry.