Figures show that manufacturing activity grew at its slowest pace since May last month.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index recorded 52.3, falling back from September's 14-month high of 54.4. Any figure above 50 signals growth.
Companies reported solid demand from domestic and export customers, with new orders from abroad rising for the fifth month in a row.
Employment levels grew for the third month running, with this index recording 51.9, the best figure since February.
The rise in costs accelerated, however, with the input costs index at 62.1. Firms reported higher oil and raw materials costs. The index for prices charged by manufacturing companies eased slightly to 54.7.
