AI Data Insight
In May 2026, the construction sector employment index of China's non-manufacturing PMI recorded 42.3. Although it slightly rebounded from the previous value of 41.4, it remains deeply stuck in severe contraction territory. While the overall non-manufacturing PMI returned to expansion, the construction sector is constrained by the real estate slump and infrastructure slowdown, leading to weak corporate hiring momentum. In the absence of strong policy stimulus, it is expected that the short-term employment climate will struggle to see a substantial reversal.