Industrial output in Japan dipped 3.4 percent on month in February, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said on Monday – falling for the first time in three months.
The headline figure missed forecasts for a decline of 1.9 percent following the 3.7 percent increase in January.
On a yearly basis, industrial production slipped 2.6 percent – also shy of expectations for a decline of 0.6 percent following the 2.8 percent decline in the previous month.
Upon the release of the data, the METI maintained its assessment of industrial production, saying that it shows signs of increase at a moderate pace.
Industries that mainly contributed to the monthly decline include business oriented machinery, transport equipment and electronic parts.
According to the survey of production forecast in manufacturing, production is expected to fall 2.0 percent in March and rise 3.6 percent in April.
Industries that mainly contributed to the decrease in March included business oriented machinery, transport equipment and electrical machinery.
Industries that mainly contributed to the increase in April included business oriented machinery, electrical machinery and transport equipment.
Shipments in February fell 3.4 percent on month after two straight months of gain. They were also down 3.1 percent on year.
Industries that mainly contributed to the decline included business oriented machinery, transport equipment and electronic parts and devices.
Inventories in February added 0.5 percent on month after two straight months of decline. They were up 7.3 percent on year.
Industries that mainly contributed to the increase included business oriented machinery, electrical machinery and non-ferrous metals.
The inventory ratio in February climbed 4.3 percent on month, rising for the first time in three months. It showed an increase of 9.3 percent on year.
The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com