China Factory Activity Contracts for Seventh Straight Month

China’s official manufacturing PMI fell to **49.0** in October, marking a seventh consecutive month of contraction as export orders weaken. Producers said demand is cooling while global buyers remain cautious, intensifying calls for fresh stimulus from Beijing. Meanwhile, factories are warning that prolonged weakness could drag on margins and raise the risk of corporate stress if orders don’t recover. Analysts expect further policy support focused on infrastructure and investment to offset soft external demand.