China’s NBS Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.3 for October 2026, data released on 31 October showed. The reading was below the market forecast of 50. It was also lower than the previous period’s 50.1, a fall of 0.8 points. The index is a survey-based gauge of activity across China’s factories.
What the reading measures
A PMI reading above 50 generally indicates that manufacturing activity expanded over the month, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. At 49.3, the index sits just under that dividing line. The reading therefore points to a slight contraction in factory activity during the reference period, though the gap to 50 is narrow.
Against the forecast, the figure was below expectations. Against the previous period, it was lower as well. Both comparisons point the same way for this release.
Related: UK Manufacturing PMI Flash Rises to 52.8 in October · German manufacturing PMI flash rises to 54.2 in October
Source: NBS
