China: Services Sector Recovers from 8-Month Low.

China’s official NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.3 in August 2025 from July’s eight-month low of 50.1, matching market expectations and signaling modest expansion in services activity. The uptick came as sentiment improved, helped by a 90-day extension of the U.S.–China tariff truce that kept duties in place - 30% on Chinese exports to the U.S. and 10% on American goods to China. New orders contracted at a slower pace (46.6 vs. 45.7 in July), though foreign sales remained weak (48.8 vs 48.8), underscoring persistent external headwinds. Employment stayed subdued (45.6 vs. 45.6), reflecting limited hiring momentum, while supplier delivery times were little changed (51.3 vs. 51.2). On prices, input costs rose for a second month (50.3 vs. 50.3), while declines in selling prices eased (48.6 vs. 47.9), suggesting softer margin pressures. Looking ahead, business confidence climbed to a five-month high (56.2 vs. 55.8), supported by hopes of policy support and trade stability.