Japan’s factory output falls less than expected in April

Japan’s factory production declined slightly less than forecast in April, according to the final estimate released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The seasonally adjusted industrial production index fell by 1.1% month-on-month, slightly better than the preliminary estimate of -1.2%. In March, output had increased by 0.2%.

On an annual basis, unadjusted industrial production rose by 0.5%.

Shipments edged up by 0.1% compared to the previous month, while inventories decreased by 0.8%. The inventory-to-sales ratio showed a decline of 0.6%.