Japan¡¯s factory output unexpectedly declined for the first time in three months in April amid a global slowdown, in a weak start to the country¡¯s second quarter.
Industrial production fell 0.4% from the previous month after two consecutive months of increases, according to industry ministry data released Wednesday. Economists had forecast a 1.4% rise. Factory machinery, metal products and automakers¡¯ output dragged on the overall figures.
The latest results likely reflected impact from the global slowdown, overshadowing the positive effects from improving supply chains. The weakness in domestic production is a potential drag for the Japanese economy, which has recently shown some signs of recovery, especially in the first quarter.
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