Financial News: China Service Sector Growth Eases

China Service Sector Growth Eases

04/03/2026 - 01:53:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - China's service sector growth eased sharply in March but business outlook remained positive and cost pressures remained moderate, survey data published by S&P Global showed Friday.

The headline RatingDog China services Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 52.1 in March from a 33-month high of 56.7 in February.

The score was also below economists' forecast of 53.7. However, a reading above 50.0 indicates expansion in the services sector.

Inflows of new work increased for the thirty-ninth consecutive month and marked the second longest period of continuous expansion in the survey history. But the rate of growth was the slowest since April 2025. Still outstanding workloads continued to rise on the back of strong demand in February. Despite increases in outstanding work and new business, service providers reduced their staffing levels.

Regarding price pressures, the survey showed that average input prices increased marginally in March. The moderate growth in cost burdens enabled service providers to lower their charges in orders to support sales. Selling prices dropped for the third time in four months.

Service providers remained optimistic regarding expected activity levels over the next twelve months. Confidence was linked to planned business expansions, market developments, new projects, promotions and new products.

The survey showed that the overall private sector growth slowed in March from a 33-month high posted in February. The composite output index fell to 51.5 from 55.4 in February. Growth remained broad-based across manufacturing and services.

"Overall, while the pace of services sector expansion slowed in March, the foundation of domestic demand remained firm," RatingDog Founder Yao Yu said. "The Services PMI is expected to continue within expansionary territory in the near term."

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

Russia Service Sector Contracts In March (05 min(s), 07 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Russia's service sector activity logged a renewed decline in March amid weaker dem ...Full Story»

Japan Services Activity Expands (31 min(s), 07 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Japan's service sector logged strong growth but the pace of expansion eased slight ...Full Story»

China Service Sector Growth Eases (01 hr(s), 34 min(s), 07 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - China's service sector growth eased sharply in March but business outlook remained ...Full Story»

China Services PMI Data Due On Friday (35 min(s), 53 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - China will on Friday see March results for the services PMI from Caixin, highlighting ...Full Story»

Treasury Reveals Details Of Long-Term Securities Auctions (23 min(s), 53 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Treasury Department on Thursday announced the details of this month's auctions ...Full Story»

U.S. Trade Deficit Widens Less Than Expected To $57.3 Billion In February (33 min(s), 53 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - A report released by the Commerce Department on Thursday showed the U.S. trade deficit ...Full Story»

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Dip To 202,000 (13 min(s), 53 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - First time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly edged lower in the week ...Full Story»

Brazil Industrial Production Rises 0.9% (27 min(s), 53 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Brazil's industrial output expanded for the second straight month in February, pre ...Full Story»