Tokyo: Japan’s factory output rises

Tokyo: Japan’s industrial output rose by a more than expected 2.5% in February, after falling 1.1% in January. Japanese manufacturers are worried about tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which threaten a global recession.

Japan’s retail sales rose by only 1.4% in February, a relatively small increase. In addition, production is expected to slow in the coming months. According to Shungo Akimoto, market economist at Mizuho Securities, sluggish domestic consumption and a decline in foreign demand will affect Japan’s production.

Japan’s auto industry will be particularly affected by US tariffs, as a large part of Japan’s total exports depends on automobiles.