Asian Factory Growth Slows in October

Manufacturing growth across major Asian exporters slowed in October as fading momentum in the artificial intelligence sector and persistent Middle East conflict weighed on economic activity. Surveys from China, Japan, and South Korea showed softening output and rising inflationary pressures.

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Employees of Fuchu Car, a repair shop that handles accident repairs as well as regular inspections, work under a car at their workshop in Tokyo, Japan May 29, 2026. REUTERS/Issei Kato

Factory activity across Asia expanded in October, but growth slowed in major chip exporters as questions mounted over the profitability of the artificial intelligence boom. Private surveys showed the regional momentum easing on Monday.