India, China, Japan Face Manufacturing PMI Challenges

India's manufacturing activity growth fell to a three-month low in August, with the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI dropping to 57.5 from 58.1 in July, due to fierce competition, shifts in consumer preferences, and softened demand. Meanwhile, China's factory activity contracted for the fourth consecutive month, with the official PMI falling to 49.1 from 49.4, indicating ongoing economic challenges due to weak domestic demand and trade tensions. In Japan, factory activity contracted at a slower pace, with the PMI rising to 49.8 from 49.1, driven by a recovery in output and new orders. The mixed performances across these major economies highlight varying regional economic conditions and the influence of global demand fluctuations.