China's services activity grows at fastest pace in three months in May

China's services activity expanded at its quickest pace in three months in May on stronger domestic demand and new client acquisitions.

The private survey RatingDog Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 54.4 in May from 52.6 in April, beating market expectations.

New business growth accelerated for the fourth time in five months on improved market fundamentals, corporate innovation and new project rollouts. New export orders also swung back into expansion territory.

Meanwhile, services firms added headcount for the first time in four months, reflecting stronger demand and growing backlogs.

However, cost inflation picked up steam, due to higher oil and fuel costs, procurement expenses, and wages.

China's services activity grows at fastest pace in three months in May

China opened 80 new international air cargo routes in the first five months of 2026, adding over 180 weekly round-trip flights as of May 31, according to data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

By destination, the new routes include 35 to Europe, 33 to Asia, 10 to North America, one to South America, and one to Africa.

The transported cargo consisted mainly of cross-border e-commerce goods, high-end manufacturing products, high-value-added goods, and perishables.

80 new international air cargo routes opened in Jan-May