TOKYO, 31st May, 2024 (WAM) -- Japan's industrial output in April fell 0.1 percent from the previous month, weighed down by a decrease in production in the transport equipment industry, government data showed Friday.
Kyodo News quoted the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as saying in a preliminary report that the seasonally adjusted production index at factories and mines stood at 101.6 against the 2020 base of 100. It followed a 4.4 percent rise in March.
The ministry retained its basic assessment from the previous month, which stated that industrial production "showed weakness while fluctuating indecisively."
Of the 15 industrial sectors the survey covers, seven logged lower output while eight saw increases.
The index of industrial shipments increased 0.2 percent to 100.6, while inventories fell 0.5 percent to 102.1.
Based on a poll of manufacturers, the ministry expects output to increase 6.9 percent in May but decrease 5.6 percent in June.