China manufacturing activity improves more than expected in August - RatingDog
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Tuesday 01 Sep 2026
(Sharecast News) - China's manufacturing sector grew more than expected in August, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
The RatingDog China general manufacturing purchasing managers' index, compiled by S&P Global, ticked up to a two-month high of 51.5 from 50.9 in July, surpassing expectations for a reading of 51.
A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below signals contraction.
The survey showed that output has risen for nine months in a row, with the latest expansion the strongest since May.
RatingDog founder Yao Yu said: "On a sub-index basis, the pace of improvement accelerated. Total new orders increased for the fifteenth consecutive month, the longest period of growth since 2018, with the rate of expansion accelerating since July. New export business rose at the fastest pace in six months, driven by strong growth in the consumer goods sector. Manufacturing output expanded for the ninth successive month, with the rate of growth reaching a three-month high, supported by stronger demand and capacity expansion.
"Overall, the manufacturing sector strengthened in August, with demand, output and exports all accelerating. The acceleration in new order growth and the robust expansion in exports were positive signals, while the first cut in output prices in 2026 indicated ongoing competitive pressures. Employment remained stable, and inventory accumulation continued. The manufacturing PMI is expected to remain in expansionary territory in the near term."
On Monday, the official PMI reading from the National Bureau of Statistics came in at 49.8 for August, up from 49.2 in July and above expectations for a reading of 49.6.
NBS statistician Huo Lihui said: "The overall business climate in manufacturing improved visibly in August, with 16 out of 21 surveyed industries registering month-on-month gains". He said both production and demand expanded in tandem, with solid gains in hi-tech manufacturing and large firms.
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