TOKYO: Japan's industrial output rose 0.4% in February but is expected to weaken in coming months as the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this month hurt factories and distribution.
The rise compared with a median market forecast of a 0.3% fall. It was the fourth straight month of increases.
Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect output to rise 1.4% in March and decline 1.3% in April, data showed on Wednesday.
However, the survey on companies' output forecasts was conducted before the March 11 earthquake, although some firms may have replied after the quake, a METI official said. The forecasts thus do not fully reflect the impact of the disaster, the official said.
The government said that although output has been showing signs of picking up, the effect of the earthquake must be watched.
Analysts warn that production will weaken as many factories, particularly those of automobile and electronics makers, have been forced to halt operations due to crippled supply chains and power outages. ' Reuters
The rise compared with a median market forecast of a 0.3% fall. It was the fourth straight month of increases.
Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect output to rise 1.4% in March and decline 1.3% in April, data showed on Wednesday.
However, the survey on companies' output forecasts was conducted before the March 11 earthquake, although some firms may have replied after the quake, a METI official said. The forecasts thus do not fully reflect the impact of the disaster, the official said.
The government said that although output has been showing signs of picking up, the effect of the earthquake must be watched.
Analysts warn that production will weaken as many factories, particularly those of automobile and electronics makers, have been forced to halt operations due to crippled supply chains and power outages. ' Reuters
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