Japan's output of crude steel in the October-December quarter is forecast to fall 0.1% from a year earlier as trade tensions and uncertainty over China's economy curb exports, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said.

Crude steel output is estimated at 25.69 million tonnes versus 25.70 million tonnes a year earlier, the ministry said. Output has fallen year on year for five quarters.

Output in the current quarter is expected to rise 0.8% from the previous quarter.

Demand for steel products, including those for exports, is forecast to fall 2.9% year on year to 22.92 million tonnes, the ministry said, citing an industry survey.

Exports, which typically account for about 40% of Japanese steel production, are predicted to drop 1.4%.