Factory growth slows in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan despite resilient chip demand

October manufacturing growth eased in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, though all four private PMIs stayed above 50. South Korea’s index reached its lowest level since February; China’s private reading contrasted with official data showing contraction. Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia expanded faster than in September. Chip demand remained resilient, but the war’s economic drag may be offsetting its benefits.