The headline Nikkei Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Idex declined to 52.3 in July, from 53.0 in June, thereby pointing to a softer rate of improvement in manufacturing sector business conditions.

Commenting on the Japanese Manufacturing PMI survey data, Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: "Latest survey data signalled a slowdown to manufacturing sector growth at the beginning of Q3. Output growth eased and there was a noticeable softening of demand, while export sales failed to record any upswing for a second month running. "There was also evidence that supply-side constraints were beginning to bite harder. Employment growth slipped and was weaker than rates seen earlier in the year, meanwhile delivery times for inputs lengthened to the greatest extent in over seven years".