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The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Japan factory declines slow in May but tariff worries persist, PMI shows
Workers assemble Honda Motor Co. North America-bound Fit vehicles on the production line at the company's Suzuka factory in Suzuka, Mie, Japan, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016. Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg TOKYO: Japan's factory activity shrank at the slowest pace in five months in May as the decline in new orders eased, but worries over U.S. tariffs have dampened the recovery from an almost year-long contraction, a private-sector survey showed on Monday. The final au Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 49.4 in May from 48.7 in April, marking the 11th consecutive month of staying below the 50.0-line that indicates contraction. Still, the reading was higher than the flash figure of 49.0 and the highest so far this year. "Manufacturing conditions in Japan moved closer to stabilisation in May, according to latest PMI data, with companies signalling a softer decline in sales and improved jobs growth," said Annabel Fiddes, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. Among sub-indexes, new orders fell for the 24th straight month, with manufacturers citing U.S. tariffs and increased client hesitancy as factors behind subdued demand conditions. Factory output also contracted for a ninth consecutive month, at a quicker pace than in April, the survey showed. To mitigate the impact of the U.S. tariffs on cars and other manufacturing sectors, which are the backbone of the Japanese economy, Tokyo has held four rounds of trade talks with Washington and plans a fiscal package to support households and businesses. In a positive sign, input cost inflation eased to a 14-month low in May, while output price inflation slowed to the softest in nearly four years. Employment increased for the sixth month in a row as firms filled vacancies and prepared for anticipated production increases, according to the survey. Business confidence on future output strengthened from April's near five-year low, with firms citing expectations of stronger market demand particularly in the semiconductor industry. However, some expressed concerns over U.S. tariffs, inflation and Japan's declining population as potential headwinds to growth, the survey showed. - Reuters
Business Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Japan's factory activity falls on US tariff worries
[TOKYO] Japan's factory activity shrank for the 10th straight month in April on weaker overseas demand and worsening concerns about US tariffs, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday (May 1). The final au Jibun Bank Japan manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged up to 48.7 in April from 48.4 in March, indicating a modest contraction in business conditions. The index was slightly higher than 48.5 in the flash reading while it stayed below the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction for the 10th straight month. 'Business conditions continued to weaken across Japan's manufacturing industry in April,' said Annabel Fiddes, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. The index of new orders shrank at the fastest pace since February 2024. Firms in the survey mentioned subdued customer spending and lower demand for products such as semiconductors and machinery equipment. Manufacturers also cited lower demand among key export markets such as China, Europe and the US, which sent the index of new export orders falling at the fastest pace since last October. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up US President Donald Trump's tariffs on a wide range of products including automobiles, Japan's key export, have fanned concerns about global trade. Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who will hold a second round of talks with Washington this week, is seeking full removal of US tariffs. Business confidence weakened to its lowest level since June 2020 on concerns about global prospects and tariffs. 'Firms are likely to struggle to see a recovery in conditions unless there is a noticeable improvement in demand both at home and overseas,' Fiddes said. Input costs rose at the softest pace in a year, but they remained a burden on firms as prices rose among various factors such as transport, fuel, labour and raw materials. REUTERS
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Japan's factory activity falls on US tariff worries, PMI shows
The index of new orders shrank at the fastest pace since February 2024. PHOTO: AFP TOKYO - Japan's factory activity shrank for the 10th straight month in April on weaker overseas demand and worsening concerns about US tariffs, a private-sector survey showed on May 1. The final au Jibun Bank Japan manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged up to 48.7 in April from 48.4 in March, indicating a modest contraction in business conditions. The index was slightly higher than 48.5 in the flash reading while it stayed below the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction for the 10th straight month. 'Business conditions continued to weaken across Japan's manufacturing industry in April,' said Ms Annabel Fiddes, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. The index of new orders shrank at the fastest pace since February 2024. Firms in the survey mentioned subdued customer spending and lower demand for products such as semiconductors and machinery equipment. Manufacturers also cited lower demand among key export markets such as China, Europe and the United States, which sent the index of new export orders falling at the fastest pace since last October. US President Donald Trump's tariffs on a wide range of products including automobiles, Japan's key export, have fanned concerns about global trade. Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who will hold a second round of talks with Washington this week, is seeking full removal of US tariffs. Business confidence weakened to its lowest level since June 2020 on concerns about global prospects and tariffs. 'Firms are likely to struggle to see a recovery in conditions unless there is a noticeable improvement in demand both at home and overseas,' Ms Fiddes said. Input costs rose at the softest pace in a year, but they remained a burden on firms as prices rose among various factors such as transport, fuel, labour and raw materials. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Japan's factory activity falls on US tariff worries, PMI shows
Japan's factory activity shrank for the 10th straight month in April on weaker overseas demand and worsening concerns about U.S. tariffs, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday. The final au Jibun Bank Japan manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged up to 48.7 in April from 48.4 in March, indicating a modest contraction in business conditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thon Binh Luc: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The index was slightly higher than 48.5 in the flash reading while it stayed below the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction for the 10th straight month. "Business conditions continued to weaken across Japan's manufacturing industry in April," said Annabel Fiddes, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. The index of new orders shrank at the fastest pace since February 2024. Firms in the survey mentioned subdued customer spending and lower demand for products such as semiconductors and machinery equipment. Live Events Manufacturers also cited lower demand among key export markets such as China, Europe and the United States, which sent the index of new export orders falling at the fastest pace since last October. U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on a wide range of products including automobiles, Japan's key export, have fanned concerns about global trade. Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who will hold a second round of talks with Washington this week, is seeking full removal of U.S. tariffs. Business confidence weakened to its lowest level since June 2020 on concerns about global prospects and tariffs. "Firms are likely to struggle to see a recovery in conditions unless there is a noticeable improvement in demand both at home and overseas," Fiddes said. Input costs rose at the softest pace in a year, but they remained a burden on firms as prices rose among various factors such as transport, fuel, labour and raw materials.
Business Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Japan's factory activity falls on US tariff worries: PMI
[TOKYO] Japan's factory activity shrank for the 10th straight month in April on weaker overseas demand and worsening concerns about US tariffs, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday (May 1). The final au Jibun Bank Japan manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged up to 48.7 in April from 48.4 in March, indicating a modest contraction in business conditions. The index was slightly higher than 48.5 in the flash reading while it stayed below the 50 threshold that separates growth from contraction for the 10th straight month. 'Business conditions continued to weaken across Japan's manufacturing industry in April,' said Annabel Fiddes, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. The index of new orders shrank at the fastest pace since February 2024. Firms in the survey mentioned subdued customer spending and lower demand for products such as semiconductors and machinery equipment. Manufacturers also cited lower demand among key export markets such as China, Europe and the United States, which sent the index of new export orders falling at the fastest pace since last October. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up US President Donald Trump's tariffs on a wide range of products including automobiles, Japan's key export, have fanned concerns about global trade. Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who will hold a second round of talks with Washington this week, is seeking full removal of US tariffs. Business confidence weakened to its lowest level since June 2020 on concerns about global prospects and tariffs. 'Firms are likely to struggle to see a recovery in conditions unless there is a noticeable improvement in demand both at home and overseas,' Fiddes said. Input costs rose at the softest pace in a year, but they remained a burden on firms as prices rose among various factors such as transport, fuel, labour and raw materials. REUTERS
