The S&P Global Japan Manufacturing PMI declined to 53.3 in October 2026 from 54.1 in September, falling below market forecasts of 54.5, preliminary estimates showed. It was the slowest expansion in the manufacturing sector since March, as firms recorded slower increases in output and new orders, with both growing at their weakest rates in seven months. Employment continued to increase, with job creation rising moderately. Purchasing activity also increased, contributing to the largest accumulation of stocks of purchases in almost four years. Meanwhile, suppliers’ delivery times lengthened substantially.