BEIJING — China’s nonmanufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in April, with the purchasing managers’ index for the sector up from 54.6 in March to 54.8, the National Bureau of Statistics said on April 30.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.

The pace of expansion was also higher than 54 for April 2017.

The sub-index for new orders rose one point from the previous month to 51.1, showing faster growth in market demand.

Sub-indices for intermediary prices, sales prices and business outlook all increased from the previous month.

The service sector, which accounts for more than half of the country’s GDP, showed sound momentum, with the sub-reading up 0.2 point from March to 53.8.

Faster expansion was also seen in air transportation, courier services, accommodation, telecommunications and software, NBS said.

The NBS said that the manufacturing sector PMI came in at 51.4 this month, down from 51.5 in March.