Japan's industrial production falls 0.1 pct in December

Source: Xinhua | 2019-01-31

Japan's industrial production decreased in December from the previous month, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said in a report on Thursday.
According to the ministry's preliminary report, industrial production dipped 0.1 percent in the recording month, with the seasonally adjusted index of output at factories and mines standing at 104.7 against the base of 100 for 2015.
The latest reading follows a revised 1.0-percent decline logged in November, METI's latest data showed.
The index of industrial shipments rose 0.3 percent to 103.6, while inventories added 1.0 percent to 102.4, the ministry's said.
METI maintained its basis assessment that industrial production is "picking up slowly."
Looking ahead, manufacturers surveyed by the ministry said they predict industrial output to fall 0.1 percent in January and increase 2.6 percent in February.
The ministry's monthly report on factory output serves as a useful economic indicator which reflects changing business conditions and provides a view of the economy's direction in the near future.