Japan Industrial Output Down 0.1 Pct in Dec. 2025

Tokyo, Jan. 30 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industrial production in December 2025 edged down 0.1 pct from the previous month, as output of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and some other goods decreased, the industry ministry said Friday. The production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors was 101.8 against the 2020 base of 100, according to preliminary data from the ministry. The ministry maintained its basic assessment that industrial production is fluctuating. Output declined in seven of the 15 surveyed industries. The production machinery sector saw a 1.9 pct fall after a jump in chipmaking gear exports the previous month, while the chemicals sector logged a 2.9 pct drop due to lower output of cosmetic products. Meanwhile, seven industries saw their production grow, with the automobile sector marking a 1.4 pct increase thanks to higher production of passenger cars for Japanese and foreign markets. Output at manufacturers is forecast to rise 9.3 pct in January but fall 4.3 pct in February, the ministry said. For the full year of 2025, the production index climbed 0.8 pct from the previous year to 102.0, the first rise in four years. “Chip-related output supported (industrial production), and the auto industry remained firm despite the effects of high U.S. tariffs,” a ministry official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]