AI Data Insight
The latest data from DataTrack shows that China's manufacturing employment PMI rose to 49.0 in Q3 2026, a significant improvement from the previous reading of 48.5, reflecting an initial easing of employment contraction pressures. Boosted by AI export orders, the overall manufacturing PMI reached 50.3, beating expectations, but the sluggish recovery of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continues to suppress labor demand. Going forward, the market will highly focus on domestic demand stimulus policies from the July Politburo meeting.