China’s official NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI slipped to 49.4 in January 2024 from 50.2 in the previous month, missing market expectations of 50.3 and marking the lowest reading since December 2022. The deterioration reflected weak post-holiday demand, cautious consumer spending, and persistent stress in the property sector. Both new orders (46.1 vs. 47.3 in December) and foreign demand contracted at a steeper pace (46.9 vs. 47.5). At the same time, employment remained subdued (46.1 vs 46.1), pointing to continued labor market slack. Supplier delivery times shortened slightly (51.1 vs. 51.3), suggesting easing supply conditions. On the pricing front, input cost pressures stabilized (50.0 vs. 50.2), while output prices declined at a slower pace (48.8 vs. 48.0). Looking ahead, business sentiment softened to a four-month low (56.0 vs. 56.5).
