Japan's Industrial Production Sees a Marginal Decline

In a preliminary report released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) disclosed that Japan's seasonally adjusted industrial production index experienced a 1.1% decrease in March, settling at 101.1. This marks a 0.3% drop compared to the same period in 2024.

Shipments and Inventories Show Mixed Trends

The shipments index wasn't spared, witnessing a 2.8% month-on-month decline to 98.7, alongside a 1.3% year-on-year decrease. On the other hand, the inventories index presented a contrasting scenario, recording a 0.9% increase from the previous month to 101.8, though it was 1% lower than March 2024's figures.

Inventory Ratio on the Rise

The inventory ratio escalated to 107.4, showcasing a 4.5% monthly growth and a 0.7% annual increase, indicating a complex interplay of factors affecting Japan's industrial sector.