Japan’s Industrial Output Up 0.5 Pct in May

Tokyo, June 30 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s seasonally adjusted industrial production in May rose 0.5 pct from the previous month, as production of chemicals recovered on an increase in naphtha imports, industry ministry preliminary data showed Tuesday. Naphtha imports had been sluggish because of the Middle East tensions. The recovery in the chemical industry was also supported by the completion of repair work at some domestic facilities. The ministry kept unchanged its assessment that industrial production is fluctuating indecisively. Of the 15 sectors surveyed, seven logged stronger production, with the inorganic and organic chemicals sector posting a 3.7 pct rise. Output of polyethylene, a plastic material, and paraxylene, which is used to make synthetic fibers, jumped by 19.4 pct and 33.1 pct, respectively. The petroleum and coal products industry saw its production rise by 9.1 pct. The transport machinery sector also enjoyed robust production. Meanwhile, output declined in eight sectors. Of major products, medical analyzers showed a marked drop. The shipment index advanced 0.6 pct, while the inventory index fell 0.6 pct, the third consecutive monthly drop. Manufacturers’ production is expected to rise 3.7 pct in June and then level off in July. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]