China International Marine Containers (Group) Co Ltd (CIMC), the world's largest container producer, said yesterday its main business, dry cargo container manufacturing, has entered into the low season earlier than usual, underscoring that the global economic slowdown is hurting local container demand.

Industrial experts said the slowdown will continue for months, which will probably propel CIMC to shift its focus to its non-core business to maintain a sustainable development.

In a statement, CIMC said dry cargo container manufacturing is a "seasonal" business, and the "first and the fourth quarter" are traditionally the low time.