The following is the unedited transcript of the news release from the Cabinet Office of Japan


Industrial Production in March increased 1.6% from the previous month, showing an increase for the first time in sixth months. It showed a decrease of 34.2% from the previous year. The index in March was 70.6(seasonally adjusted).

Industries that mainly contributed to the increase are as follows: 1. Electronic parts and devices, 2.General machinery, 3. Electrical machinery, in that order.

Commodities that mainly contributed to the increase are as follows: 1.Parts and accessories of steam turbines, 2.Large passenger cars, 3.Metal oxide semiconducter ICs (logic).

Survey of Production Forecast ( for April and May)

According to the Survey of Production Forecast in Manufacturing, Production is expected to increase 4.3% in April and to increase 6.1% in May.

Changes in Shipments

Shipments in March increased 1.4% from the previous month, showing an increase for the first time in sixth months. It showed a decrease of 32.4% from the previous year. The index in March was 73.0(seasonally adjusted).

Industries that mainly contributed to the increase are as follows: 1.Electronic parts and devices, 2.General machinery, 3.Chemicals(excl. Drugs), in that order.

Changes in Inventory

Inventory in March decreased 3.3% from the previous month, showing a decrease for the third consecutive month. It showed an decrease of 4.9% from the previous year. The index in March was 100.1(seasonally adjusted).

Industries that mainly contributed to the decrease are as follows: 1.Transport equipment, 2.Chemicals, 3.Information and communication electronics equipment, in that order.

Inventory Ratio in March decreased 4.9% from the previous month, showing an decrease for the first time in six months. It showed an increase of 45.2% from the previous year. The index in March was 150.7(seasonally adjusted).


Available at:

http://www.meti.go.jp/english/statistics/tyo/iip/index.html