Japan on second month of industrial output growth in April

29 May 2009 08:58  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--Japan's industrial output rose 5.2% in April from March, the second monthly increase that suggests its economic slump was easing, official data showed on Friday.

April's higher production was led by industries engaged in making electronic parts and devices, chemicals (excluding drugs) and transport equipment, according to a preliminary report from Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI).

But on an annual basis, production still fell 31.2% in April, METI said.

The country's factory output fell continuously since September last year until March 2009, with its exports exhibting the same pattern.

METI said that the monthly production numbers could see further improvement in the next two months based on its survey of manufacturers.

Japanese manufacturers were projecting output to rise 8.8% in May and by 2.7% in June, it said.

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By: Pearl Bantillo
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