According to a report published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, industrial production fell by 0.8% after rising 0.7% in December, while analysts had expected an increase of 0.4% in January. In annual terms, Japan's industrial production remained at the same level of growth of 3.2%.
The report on industrial production reflects the volume of production plants, factories and mining companies of Japan. This indicator has attracted attention because it is the main indicator of the strength and health of the manufacturing sector.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan note, industrial production fell for the first six months against the backdrop of the reduction in car sales and the New Year celebrations, which lowered demand from China.
However, despite an unexpected decline in production, the ministry left its assessment of production unchanged, noting that the recovery trend persists. The ministry forecast industrial production growth of 3.5% in February.