China’s factory activity returned to growth in September, with the official manufacturing PMI rising to 50.1 from 49.8 in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

The reading ended two straight months of contraction and matched the median forecast in a Reuters poll. The 50-point mark separates expansion from contraction.

New orders rose to 50.5 while production hit 51.7, the data showed. A private RatingDog survey was stronger at 52.1, pointing to firmer conditions among smaller firms. The official survey covers large firms, while the RatingDog poll focuses on smaller private companies. China’s trade surplus is on pace to top $1 trillion for a second straight year, Reuters noted.

The non-manufacturing PMI, covering services and construction, also improved to 50.2 from 49.0. Reuters noted easing weather disruptions and a global AI boom helped factories resume operations.

What happens next: with retail sales and investment still weak, pressure stays on Beijing to roll out more support measures.